Country music has a long list of revered duets. From Tim McGraw and Faith Hill to Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood—and on back to pairs such as Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn and, of course, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash—many of country’s biggest artists (some of whom were and are actually married) have sung the most romantic songs in the genre.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we take a look at some of country’s most romantic duets. Some are from names you recognize; a few are from newcomers, but we believe the songs stand up alongside the classics.

Add them to your playlist for a perfect Valentine’s Day evening…or a date night anytime.

Shania Twain began writing “From This Moment On” while at a soccer game with her then-husband and producer Mutt Lange, who loves sports. As the story goes, Twain’s mind drifted and she began writing the song. When she sat down with Lange to finish the song they decided it would be perfect for a duet and Bryan White was eventually added to the track that was released in 1998. No doubt a popular wedding song in the late ’90s, “From This Moment On” continues to survive the test of time.

9. “If I Could Bottle This Up” – George Jones/Shelby Lynne

Written by Paul Overstreet and Dean Dillon, “If I Could Bottle You Up” is a fun, playful song paying tribute to what’s lovely about your significant other—and wondering if there’s a way to take all that goodness and package it somehow (“I could sell everybody in town what I been feeling”). George Jones cut the song in 1988 with then-newcomer Shelby Lynne, who was only 19 and still more than a decade away from her breakthrough album, the awesome country-soul collection I Am Shelby Lynne. It was Lynne’s first commercial recording, but she holds her own very well next to a guy who, then as now, is considered one of popular music’s finest vocalists.

Reba originally intended to record this song with Kenny Rogers but their voices just never fit the song. She eventually asked Vince Gill to assist on harmonies until her producer suggested they make it a duet. The song made it all the way to No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart for two weeks. A song that celebrates long lost love, Reba and Gill sing of seeing each other across the room and realizing that while they’ve been trying to live their lives without each other, the heart won’t lie.

7. “Mutineer” – Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires

Unless you’re a die-hard Warren Zevon fan, you probably haven’t heard this song. But…wow. The late Zevon (the guy behind quirky hits like “Werewolves of London”) wrote it, making it the title track of his final album, released in 1995. Zevon’s own version was certainly moving, but put this song in the hands of Americana stalwarts Amanda Shires and her husband Jason Isbell, and it becomes transcendent. It’s a song of a deep, deep kind of love, a connection between souls that (sorry, Valentine’s Day) has nothing to do with flowers and candy. Isbell and Shires just released a new commercial recording of the song, by the way, as part of a two-track Sea Songs EP that includes another interesting cover, Lykke Li’s “I Follow Rivers.”

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2015/02/13/ten-romantic-country-duets-for-valentines-day/feed/2The Most Romantic Restaurants In Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/the-most-romantic-restaurants-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/the-most-romantic-restaurants-in-seattle/#commentsWed, 04 Feb 2015 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=159328Don't save these places for just special occasions or Valentine's Day, visit them early and often to continually treat yourself to a great romantic meal.]]>

Everyone has a different definition of what’s romantic, but for many, a romantic meal means having the right dining partner, stellar conversation, a comfortable environment and outstanding food. Don’t save these places for just special occasions or Valentine’s Day, visit them early and often to continually treat yourself to a great romantic meal.

There aren’t many better ways to spend an evening than with a loved one sitting around a table and sharing dish after dish of your favorite foods. In this case, the stellar flavor-packed fare is Lebanese family recipes. Those in the know come from all over the city to break bread, enjoy some lively liquors and share a meal. Just like a traditional Lebanese restaurant, this charmer serves up endless classics like the Lebneh bi Zaatar, a creamy yogurt-cheese with Zaatar drizzled with olive oil. Your main squeeze will have a hard time resisting the hot-off-the-grill skewers of beef, chicken and lamb (and don’t miss the Kafta Mishwiyeh made with ground lamb, exotic spices and bulgur). To top it off, the food is offered in a lovely room that makes you feel like you’ve taken a trip to a foreign land.

Picture yourself in a jewel box lined with lovely murals in an historic building and add refined fare that has the very best traits of comfort food and you have a sense of what it is to experience Restaurant Marron. The service is warm and attentive but never intrusive so you and your date won’t be distracted by anything other than the stunning murals and the plates that each in their own right are like small works of art–oh and the flavors are divine too. And lucky for you, dining in one of the city’s prettiest rooms just got better since you may now order a la carte, a three-course prix fixe or put yourself in the hands of the chef who will select seven courses to suit your taste profile and dietary preferences. If you order a la carte, don’t miss the confit yukon gold potato and dino kale paired with a glass of burgundy, the chicken liver and perigord black truffle mousse paired with a pinot or the classic roasted moulard duck breast. Be sure to save room for the sensational Cypress Grove fromage blanc cheesecake served with cara cara oranges and sunchokes.

France is often associated with romance, so it makes sense when loved ones want to share a special meal together they gravitate toward a restaurant with a French bent. Pomerol, which also just happens to be a township near Bordeaux, offers up some uniquely French fare (with a certain Pacific Northwest sensibility) for all of the romantics in Seattle. A cozy setting tucked away in Fremont, Pomerol’s attention to detail is impeccable. Treat yourselves to the chili garlic rubbed octopus with aioli and a hint of mint before sharing a very generous serving of the slow grilled beef short rib with a shallot confit and cauliflower puree. And since nothing says romance more than chocolate, make sure to save room for the classic flourless chocolate cake. Summertime brings a whole new level of romance to dining as Pomerol’s outside patio begs for late nights lingering over champagne and nibbles.

There’s no better way to say romance than clinking champagne glasses while sitting in a pair of Adirondack chairs set on the banks of Lake Union. Slurp some oysters while you take in the view of the Seattle skyline across the water or head inside and share a wood oven roasted half chicken in this nautical-styled gem that’s been getting rave reviews from top food and lifestyle publications across the country. If romance strikes you in the middle of the day, Westward serves up a special menu with the likes of smoked manila clam dip, tasty fried Pacific oyster rolls and fried East Coast squid – just to name a few. And if there’s a nip in the air and you’re looking to spice things up a bit, you can’t go wrong with the hearty Jameson whiskey stout hot chocolate with a touch of green Chartreuse, a good measure of heavy cream and stout and, of course, some chocolate.

With spectacular views of the Cascade Mountain Range, Canlis is a perennial favorite for those looking to tuck into a cozy retreat of fine dining and romance. From the personalized valet parking, to the baby grand piano in the lounge, to the world class cuisine from award-winning chefs, Canlis has been the top spot for celebrating special occasions in Seattle for more than 60 years. What could be more romantic than sitting down to a succulent plate of Muscovy Duck (for two) that has been dry-aged for 14 days and served with orange marmalade, fennel purée and pearl onion brûlée. But if your romantic outing happens to be a larger celebration than just the two of you – say, a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception – Canlis will gladly avail its private rooms to you and your guests and make your night one to truly remember.

Jenise Silva is a freelance writer in Seattle who has studied culinary, visual and performing arts. She penned the financial planning guide Women & Money, and has been writing about food and the arts for a number of years. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/the-most-romantic-restaurants-in-seattle/feed/0How To Add Romance While Also Traveling With Kidshttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/how-to-add-romance-while-also-traveling-with-kids/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/how-to-add-romance-while-also-traveling-with-kids/#commentsWed, 04 Feb 2015 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=157560Consider these five tips on how to add romance while traveling with kids.]]>

Photo Credit: Paris Louvre (Credit, Randy Yagi)

Before the kids became part of the family, it was easy to find romance while traveling. But things are a lot different now that the household has grown to three or four. Nevertheless, couples can still find romance on their next vacation, even with the little ones in tow. Here are a few tips on how to add romance on a family vacation.

Photo Credit: Eiffel Tower, Paris (Credit, Randy Yagi)

Travel To A Romantic Destination

What better way to instill passion on a family vacation than visiting an area known for romance? Stateside places like Savannah, Aspen, Hawaii, California Wine Country and the Monterey Peninsula are all highly regarded as both family-friendly and romantic destinations. And many more international cities offer entertainment for all ages while also being acclaimed as among the world’s most romantic destinations. These include Paris, Venice, Cinque Terra, Majorca and Tahiti, among others. Even when the kids are tagging along, walking on a secluded beach, taking a stroll down the Champs Elysées or taking a gondola ride on Venice canals can make for a truly magical experience.

With a wealth of family-friendly resorts all over the world, parents can find time to add some romance to their trip while the kids are preoccupied with fun activities. Take, for instance, the fabulous Atlantis Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas, currently offering special offers through April. This enormous island resort features seven luxury hotels, a high-end spa facility, a championship golf course, a gigantic water park and the largest casino in the Caribbean. There are many fun things to do for children of all ages, from toddlers through high school ages, including a kids’ club, gliding through amazing water slides, viewing underground aquariums, snorkeling and a nightclub for teenagers, with an internet lounge and video gaming room. Another top-rated resort is the Grand Wailea along Wailea Beach on Maui, which features luxury accommodations, award-winning spa treatments, a mini-resort for kids and extraordinary swimming pools, including nine pools on six levels.

Photo Credit: Separate Bedroom With Fireplace (Credit, Randy Yagi)

Make Hotel Reservations For A One- Or Two-Bedroom Suite

Because not every couple with children can afford to escape to a family-friendly resort, another option is to make hotel reservations with a private bedroom and a sofa bed in an adjoining room or a two-bedroom suite. This way, a couple can enjoy intimacy behind closed doors, especially after the kids are fast asleep. Another nice feature in a hotel room to add more romance is a balcony with a view or an in-room fireplace. In the morning, parents with or without their kids can enjoy a gourmet breakfast in bed. Additionally, some hotels offer an evening child care service, allowing couples to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner or a few extra hours in the seclusion of their rooms.

Photo Credit: Luxury Spa (Credit, Randy Yagi)

Book A Couples Spa Treatment

If childcare or other activities are available, parents can also add romance into a family excursion by pampering themselves in a relaxing couples massage. This is a perfect time to really unwind away from the stresses of parenting, but there are multiple benefits of massages, such as increased flexibility, better circulation and back pain management. Each spa facility offers its own set of packages for couples such as a mud bath or hot tub with fruit/chocolate and champagne followed by a side-by-side massage in a candlelit room. Other spa treatments can also be enjoyable from facials to body wraps and some spa packages may include a romantic dinner for two.

Photo Credit: Room With A View (Credit, Randy Yagi)

Book A Vacation Rental

In recent years, the vacation rental industry has exploded in popularity with sites such as VRBO and Airbnb drawing worldwide interest. In many instances, families with children can find great rentals at prices often much better than what’s found on online travel sites or directly with a hotel. A quick search of rental properties in Paris revealed a studio equipped to accommodate up to four people, with a full kitchen and a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, for 109 Euro or about $132 per night. Similarly, a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco can be rented by the day, week or longer for under $115 for night. And rentals are not restricted to just studios and apartments – other accommodations available on Airbnb range from windmills, treehouses, houseboats and ranches to luxury villas, castles, yachts and fairytale cottages.

Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/how-to-add-romance-while-also-traveling-with-kids/feed/0Best Places To Buy Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him In Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-to-buy-valentines-day-gifts-for-him-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-to-buy-valentines-day-gifts-for-him-in-seattle/#commentsTue, 03 Feb 2015 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=159199Whether a man is into the nuances of wines or the technical interpretation of climbing a rock face in the Cascade Mountains, the perfect gift awaits.]]>
The Pacific Northwest offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, and it the perfect place finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the active man. Whether a man is into the nuances of wines or the technical interpretation of climbing a rock face in the Cascade Mountains, the perfect gift awaits. The start of a new adventure is only a gift away. This is a refresh to “Best Places To Get Valentine’s Day Gifts In Seattle.”

R.E.I. is the perfect place to purchase a gift for the outdoor adventure-loving man. This store is a Seattle original that started in the 1930s, and is now located in several locations throughout the greater Seattle area. The store offers gear for the biker, skier, hiker, camper and other outdoor activities. Each employee is educated in outdoor activities and knows the perfect product to fit the customer’s needs. Whether it is rain gear for the cyclist or the latest clothing technology for a downhill skier, R.E.I. is the perfect place to find the right gift.

For the art-loving man, a membership to the Seattle Art Museum gives a year of opportunities to immerse himself in the world of art. A membership is usable at both the downtown location of the Seattle Art Museum, the Asian Art Museum on Capitol Hill at Volunteer Park and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the Seattle waterfront. The museum store offers wonderful artistic gifts for the man who has everything.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery is located just north of Seattle in Woodinville and is perfect for the man who enjoys the finer things in life. The winery offers tours, wine tastings, wine and wine accessories for purchase. Private or semi-private tours and/or wine tasting events can be arranged with the winery. During the summer months, this winery offers summer concerts and other social activities.

Sky Nursery is a fantastic place to shop for the garden-loving man on Valentine’s Day to find the perfect plant or an awesome garden sculpture. Sky is a great place for patio furniture, beautiful patio pots, trees, scrubs, landscaping ideas, patio stones and more. It is a complete store with many ideas to create outdoor living spaces. In addition to outdoor greenery, the nursery offers a complete assortment of indoor plants native to various locations throughout the world. The plant varieties range from tropical greenery and vibrant orchids to cactus and bug-eating wetland plants. Everything an avid gardener needs can be found here.

Rick Steves’ is the perfect place to find a gift for the man who loves to travel. (Credit, Karen Ulvestad)

For the adventure-loving man, Rick Steves’ offers opportunities to plan a romantic getaway to Europe, and all the travel accessories needed for the trip. This company is known for its European tours, tour guide books and videos, travel supplies, and friendly customer service. Each employee is knowledgeable about the tours, products and finding the best trip for the customer.

Karen Ulvestad is a mother and professional writer/photographer, who lives in the greater Seattle area. She graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in English Composition. Her background is in fitness, travel, photography and writing. She continually researches locations to visit, and/or entertainment opportunities for family outings and/or photo shoots. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-to-buy-valentines-day-gifts-for-him-in-seattle/feed/0Most Romantic Tropical Vacationshttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/most-romantic-tropical-vacations/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/most-romantic-tropical-vacations/#commentsTue, 03 Feb 2015 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=157552Sometimes the winter weather can interfere with plans for a romantic evening out. So when cold weather rolls into town, make plans to escape to the tropics for a romantic getaway.]]>
Escaping for a romantic getaway during the winter months usually means finding a tropical island where the two of you can enjoy some warm weather. A tropical paradise is the perfect vacation destination when you are looking to get away from it all, whether that be work, school, family, etc. These destinations offer secluded beaches, lush tropical foliage and plenty of opportunities to sit back and relax, all of which are factors in creating a romantic vacation experience.

Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas not only offers plenty of activities, but is also a tropical oasis for couples seeking a romantic getaway. During the day couples can enjoy dolphin interactions and splashing around at the beach and then enjoy a gourmet dinner by moonlight at night. The Mayan-inspired theme and design of the resort makes this romantic getaway unique for those seeking a different romantic adventure.

You will not believe that you are able to enjoy a romantic getaway while having your kids along with you. That is the magic of the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort. The beauty of this resort is that there are many areas available for couples to escape to, making this family-friendly resort one of the best romantic getaways in the tropics. As many parents will agree, it is near impossible to have romantic time once the kids are born. But this resort brings the romance back alive for parents with kids of all ages. Plus, the kids are so busy with activities that parents and other couples can still enjoy some peace and quiet while sitting on the beach.

Your breath will be taken away from the very moment you arrive at Las Casitas Village and Golden Door Spa. During you stay you will be treated to a luxurious villa with a breathtaking ocean view and 24-hour butler service. Plus, while there you will be able to relax at the Waldorf Astoria Spa or enjoy a variety of land and water sports, including snorkeling and horseback riding. There is a total of 500 acres with plenty of hiding places for couples to relax and enjoy a romantic getaway together, including an escape to Palomino Island, a private retreat just for Las Casitas guests.

No matter where you go at Pink Sands, you will be surrounded by lush, tropical foliage, which adds to the resort’s romantic charm. This quiet little resort is home to only 25 cottages with three miles of pink sandy beach where couples can enjoy romantic moonlit walks. There are so many different activities available for couples to do together. The best thing is that you can choose to be as active as you wish, or as relaxed as you want to be. Do not forget to enjoy a couple’s massage by the beach or a privately catered dinner on the patio of your cottage.

Nestled in the cliffs of Jamaica, The Caves Resort is home to only 11 cliffside accommodations. Because of the small amount of rooms available, you will feel like you have the place to yourself when you plan a romantic getaway to this resort. Romantic activities include private cave dining, spa services with a sea view and plenty of off-the-beaten path places to hide and kick-start your romantic getaway. Plus, The Caves Resort is close to the local town, making it possible to go visit civilization during the day before escaping to this romantic oasis at night.

Nothing beats a romantic getaway to the tropics during the cold winter months. Now it is time to pack your bags, select a romantic destination and head on down for a getaway the two of you will never forget.

Heather Landon is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions – writing and travel – to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.

There’s something so fun, sweet and deliciously romantic about a strawberry pie for Valentines! Miss Kay has been putting smiles on her husband Phil Robertson’s face for years with this tried and true recipe. Fresh whipped topping makes it even better. There’s something so fun, sweet and deliciously romantic about a strawberry pie for Valentines! Miss Kay has been putting smiles on her husband Phil Robertson’s face for years with this tried and true recipe. Fresh whipped topping makes it even better.

In a medium bowl, toss the strawberries with the powdered sugar. Let sit for a few minutes, then pour off the juice.

While the strawberries are sitting, place the granulated sugar, water, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan; cook, stirring until clear and thick, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add ¼ cup of Jell-O powder and a few drops of red food coloring. Stir well and let cool.

Place the strawberries in the piecrust and pour the Jell-O mixture over the strawberries.

Top with whipped cream and chill to set before serving.

Kay Robertson is the revered matriarch of the Robertson family and star of Duck Dynasty®. For almost five decades, she’s been keeping Phil and her boys from spending too much time in the woods by bringing them back to civilization with a home cooked meal. Her belief that her cooking talents are a gift she must share led her to writing her debut cookbook Miss Kay’s Duck Commander Kitchen: Faith, Family, and Food—Bringing Our Hope to Your Table, out now from our sister company Simon & Schuster and available wherever books are sold.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/sweet-valentines-day-pie-recipe-from-duck-dynasty-star/feed/0Best 2015 Date Night Shows For Valentine’s Day In Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-2015-date-night-shows-for-valentines-day-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-2015-date-night-shows-for-valentines-day-in-seattle/#commentsMon, 02 Feb 2015 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=159147With Valentine’s Day landing on a Saturday, your choices for a live show are pretty good this year including live performances of classic romantic comedies, sultry jazz music and a bubblegum music queen.]]>
With Valentine’s Day landing on a Saturday, your choices for a live show are pretty good this year including live performances of classic romantic comedies, sultry jazz music and a bubblegum music queen. However, tickets are bound to be scooped up fast for all performances, so it is recommended that you don’t plan to buy your tickets at the door.

While not as popular or as well known as “The Sound of Music” or “The King and I,” The 5h Avenue Theatre’s co-production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel” with Spectrum Dance presents a love story about a carnival barker who is given a final chance to redeem his life with his wife and daughter after his untimely death. It features well-known songs as “If I Loved You,” “June is Bustin’ Out All Over” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Valentine’s Day performances are at 2 and 8 p.m. and start at $29.

This musical comedy is based on Jules Verne’s novel of the same name about Phileas Fogg’s famous journey to win a bet. This clever show features five actors playing 39 different roles including bandits, damsels in distress, good guys and bad ones. Many forms of transportation are used as well including an air balloon. The theatre features two performances on February 14th – a 2 p.m. matinee and an 8 p.m. show.

Pop and jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair, who has traveled with the likes of Aerosmith and Bruce Springstein, will host a special Valentine’s celebration with special guests The Boneshakers and Sweet Pea Atkinson at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The night promises “red hot” performances of blues, rock, jazz and R&B. Tickets are $34.50 and include free parking.

We all know that Meghan Trainor is all about the bass and if you are too, then this could be just the show for you. Presented at the historic Neptune Theatre, the 20-year-old will share the stage with special guest Sheppard. Tickets start at $25. VIP tickets ($75) include a meet and greet photo opportunity with Tranior, a commemorative VIP laminate, an autographed 8×10 photo and a special gift.

Perhaps the best Valentine’s deal in town, tickets to Nell Benjamin’s “The Explorers Club” start at just $20. The play is about the famed London Explorers Club of 1879 which has suddenly caused a scandal by allowing a woman to be nominated for membership. Not only that, but she has discovered a mythical city to boot. With the show beginning at 8 p.m., you could plan to come early or stay late at the adjacent Stage Door Cafe.

Jeffrey Totey is a freelance writer living in Seattle. He has a love for the arts and is a student of pop culture. He covers stories about the performing arts, theater, museums, cultural events, movies and more in the greater Seattle area. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-2015-date-night-shows-for-valentines-day-in-seattle/feed/05 Best Romantic Movies To Watch On Valentine’s Dayhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-best-romantic-movies-to-watch-on-valentines-day/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-best-romantic-movies-to-watch-on-valentines-day/#commentsWed, 28 Jan 2015 14:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=157802If you plan to stay home on Valentine's Day, here are five of the best romantic movies to put you in the mood for love.]]>Staying in and watching a romantic movie is a perfect way to spend the holiday that celebrates love. Here are five must-see movies that offer hopeless romantics everywhere some swooning, unforgettable moments on Valentine’s Day.

An Affair to Remember (1957)

An Affair To Remember (Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox)

This 1957 classic love story starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr is hailed by many as one of the most romantic films of all time. In fact, it was No. 5 on AFI’s 100 Years … 100 Passions list and it even inspired Nora Ephron’s 1993 film “Sleepless in Seattle,” which is also on this list. This unforgettable, romantic tear-jerker is ultimately a tale of two people who meet at the wrong time and fall madly in love. A series of misunderstandings keeps them apart until fate reunites them and gives them a chance to beat the odds.

Nora Ephron was nominated for her first Best Original Screenplay Oscar for this film, which explores a thought-provoking question: Can a man and woman truly be “just friends”? Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan couldn’t be more perfectly cast as Harry and Sally in this witty and wonderful romantic comedy that follows the emotional evolution of an enduring 12-year friendship that begins after driving from Chicago to New York together after college. Endearing segments of long-time married couples telling stories of how they met are weaved into the film and the final scene in which Harry makes a sweeping, declaration to Sally is arguably one of the best Kleenex-ready moments in film history.

This movie’s heartwarming premise is simply irresistible: A young boy tries to help his dad (Tom Hanks) find love again after his mom dies of cancer. Sniff, sniff … Nora Ephron directed and co-wrote this film that pairs romantic co-stars Hanks and Meg Ryan together for the second time; this time as Sam and Annie. Sam is a handsome guy-next-door widower and Ryan plays Annie, a bubbly reporter who is engaged but not entirely happy. The 1957 classic love story “An Affair to Remember” is referenced in the film and served as creative inspiration for Ephron, who received her second Best Original Screenplay Oscar nomination (along with co-writers David S. Ward and Jeff Arch) for this film. Sam and Annie’s story offers a sweet, romantic take on what could happen if you take a risk on love.

British director-writer Richard Curtis could arguably be dubbed Rom-Com King. Nothing is more romantic than an intimate, intricate look at love, and that’s what Curtis brings in this Christmas-themed tale that tells 10 separate stories about people in various states of love or loss. The stellar ensemble cast includes Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Kiera Knightly, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson and Bill Nighy. The individual stories intertwine in fun and fascinating ways and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments to counterbalance unavoidable tears in this gloriously romantic, feel-good film.

This emotionally intense film was adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ heart wrenching debut novel that was based on his wife’s grandparents’ 60-year relationship. It follows Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as Noah and Allie, a young couple who falls in deeply in love during a passionate summer fling. Noah is from the wrong side of the tracks and Allie’s parents ban her from seeing him. Thus, they are forced to separate and their lives take them in different directions. Gosling and McAdams’ on-screen chemistry makes it impossible not to pine for Noah and Allie’s deep and ill-fated love. Their riveting story becomes a twisting tale of enduring love that overcomes incredible obstacles and the tear-jerking ending will stay with you long after the final credits roll.

Lori Melton is a freelance writer. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-best-romantic-movies-to-watch-on-valentines-day/feed/0“Marry Me” Roast Beef Tenderloin Recipe Perfect For Valentine’s Dayhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/marry-me-roast-beef-tenderloin-recipe-perfect-for-valentines-day/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/marry-me-roast-beef-tenderloin-recipe-perfect-for-valentines-day/#commentsMon, 26 Jan 2015 14:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=157592There is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day then with a cozy home cooked dinner for two.]]>

Photo Courtesy of Simon & Schuster

There is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day then with a cozy home cooked dinner for two. Patricia’s “Marry Me” Roast Beef Tenderloin is the perfect dish for the occasion. The tenderloin is succulent and the gravy adds just the right finish. But what makes this meal really special is the reaction it invokes.

Photo Courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Here’s the story: the recipe for Patricia’s beef tenderloin has been shared with many friends who’ve prepared it for someone special. More than once the response came in the form of a marriage proposal. Coincidence?…We don’t think so. So whether you are making this dinner for your significant other or for someone new in your life be prepared for a loving response!

Poke the beef tenderloin with a knife or thick skewer to make small holes all over. Set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the bouillon cubes, the garlic, mustard, tomato paste, 1/3 teaspoon of pepper, and the Worcestershire. Pour in ¼ cup of boiling water to dissolve the bouillon. Using the back of a wooden spoon, crush the bouillon cubes. Keep crushing and stirring until you’ve made a nice thick paste.

Rub the paste all over the meat, rotating it to coat all sides well. Transfer the meat to a roasting pan, cover loosely with foil, and marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.

While the meat is marinating, set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pour enough water into the roasting pan to come to a depth of ¼ to ½ inch. Place the pan in the oven and roast, covered, for 15 minutes.

Remove the foil and rotate the pan. Continue cooking and check after 10 minutes that there is still liquid in the pan; add ¼ cup of hot water if needed. Roast for an additional 5 minutes for rare, an additional 15 minutes for medium-rare, and an additional 20 minutes for medium, or until the center of the roast registers the desired temperature on an instant-read thermometer *Rare: 125 degrees F (approximate total cooking time 30 minutes) **Medium-Rare: 130 degrees F (approximate total cooking time 40 minutes)***Medium: 140 degrees F (approximate total cooking time 45 minutes)

Transfer the roast to a platter or cutting board, cover with foil to keep warm, and allow it to rest while you prepare the gravy.

Place the roasting pan with all of the drippings on a burner over medium heat. Scrape up the brown bits with a wooden spoon. Add the butter and stir. Whisk in the wine, sherry, and chicken broth. Add the cornstarch-water mixture, whisking until thickened, another 2 to 3 minutes.

Slice the roast and arrange on a platter. Serve the gravy separately.

In a true family effort, acclaimed former New York Magazine editor and food writer Corky Pollan, Emmy Award nominated actress Tracy Pollan, and health and fitness entrepreneurs and experts Lori Pollan and Dana Pollan, worked together to write The Pollan Family Table. This is a stunning collection of recipes, cooking techniques, and pantry wisdom for delicious, healthy, and harmonious family meals. Including a foreword from son and brother Michael Pollan, The Pollan Family Table from sister company Simon & Schuster is available now wherever books are sold.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/marry-me-roast-beef-tenderloin-recipe-perfect-for-valentines-day/feed/0Best Book Club Picks For Winter Readinghttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-book-club-picks-for-winter-reading/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-book-club-picks-for-winter-reading/#commentsWed, 21 Jan 2015 14:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=157851The freezing temperatures outside might make you yearn for warmer weather, but these long winter nights are the perfect time to burrow deep into a great read.]]>The freezing temperatures outside might make you yearn for warmer weather, but these long winter nights are the perfect time to burrow deep into a great read. Our sister company Simon & Schuster is back with the books that will keep your book club reading until spring.

The highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Rosie Project has arrived! Starring the same unforgettable couple now living in New York City and unexpectedly expecting their first child, if you were swept away by the books that’s captivated a million readers worldwide, you will love The Rosie Effect.

Misty Copeland has made history as the only African-American soloist dancing at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, but her story goes beyond the insular world of ballet. Exploring the universal themes of class, race, body image, and coming of age, Life in Motion is the American story.

This incredible, never-before-told story of the thousands of young women of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, who unknowingly played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb, casts a new light on one of the most significant moments in American history.

This gripping memoir and medical suspense story about a young New York Post reporter’s struggle with a rare and terrifying disease not only opens a new window into the fascinating world of brain science, but is a powerful account of one woman’s struggle to recapture her identity.

Meg Wolitzer, author of New York Times bestselling The Interestings, brings her characteristic wit and intelligence to a provocative story that raises big questions about voice, power, and gender in literature. Slim but smart, The Wife can be read in a day and remain on your mind for much longer.

Inspirational, unsparing, honest, and poignant, Reyna Grande’s memoir puts a sobering voice to the humanity of the Mexican immigrant experience, the joys and sorrows of childhood, and the courage it takes to heal the scars of the past.

For Fans Of: How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accent or Waiting for Snow in Havana

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-book-club-picks-for-winter-reading/feed/05 Gift Ideas That Are Better Than Flowershttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-gift-ideas-that-are-better-than-flowers/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-gift-ideas-that-are-better-than-flowers/#commentsTue, 20 Jan 2015 14:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=157364Get creative this Valentine's Day and pick out a perfect, unique gift. Here's five gift ideas to get you started.]]>Anyone can go to the grocery store and pick out a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates. Make this Valentine’s Day more meaningful by choosing a gift that your significant other is sure to love and appreciate. Need some inspiration? Here are five ideas to get you started.

Singing Stuffed Animal

Photo Credit Thinkstock

So this sounds cute and all, but will it really be appreciated? If you put a little bit of effort into it, of course it will, and there’s a few reasons why. If the gift recipient is an animal lover, start by picking out his or her favorite animal, whether it be a dog, cat, or even a horse. There are plenty of different singing stuffed animals, so pick out one that sings a song that’s either lovey-dovey, or has some special meaning for the two of you. Want some bonus points? Put a second gift of a beautiful necklace, around the stuffed animal’s neck for your lady to find.

Personalized Gifts

Photo Credit Personal Creations

Many companies can customize just about anything for you. For him, try a pair of boxers designed to say “Property of [your name]”. For her, get an engraved locket or stamped jewelry. Other more memorable and creative gifts can include a puzzle made from a photo of you as a couple, a picture frame with your names on it, or even a pillow with a quote about love that is complete with your embroidered names.

Handcrafted Items

Photo Credit netexchange via Etsy

This isn’t to suggest that you personally handcraft something (unless you have a skill set that easily lends itself to crafting a gift). Rather, there’s a plethora of artists online, particularly on Etsy, that can make a special something for the special person in your life. For the ladies, there’s everything from handcrafted scarves and purses to necklaces and even unique pillows. For him, there’s also a range of options, including handmade wallets, mugs, cuff links, and more. Bonus: some Etsy artists make unique Valentine’s Day cards, giving you the perfect outlet to express your feelings for your favorite person!

Customized Gift Baskets

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Rather than one big gift, put together a collection of small things that you know he or she will appreciate. Is she a coffee aficonado? Load up a basket—which is part of the gift itself—with coffee beans, coffee mugs, and maybe even a robe or nightgown while you’re at it. Gift baskets are a great way to put together a themed gift, and they don’t necessarily have to be food related. A basket full of spa gifts, for one, can also be a great option.

Experiences

Photo Credit Thinkstock

How do you wrap an ‘experience,’ you ask? By giving your loved one something that will be a hint as to what the real gift is! Book a wine tasting or how-to-make-your-own-wine class, and give the gift of a bottle opener with a note attached to it. If it’s a cooking class that you’ve picked out, wrap a kitchen utensil or gadget. Or, if you’re planning a trip, leave hints around your place—like a new beach towel, or a pretty sea shell—to create a scavenger hunt of sorts; the last ‘gift’ can be the tickets to your destination!

When it comes to gift giving this Valentine’s Day, all the above are just suggestions for getting started. You know your significant other best, and as such, follow your heart and you’re sure to pick out something they love.

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she’s writing about a variety of topics for numerous websites and blogs, and working part-time at a culinary vacation company based in the Windy City. Some of her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-gift-ideas-that-are-better-than-flowers/feed/0Date Ideas For Active Couples On Valentine’s Dayhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/date-ideas-for-active-couples-on-valentines-day/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/date-ideas-for-active-couples-on-valentines-day/#commentsTue, 20 Jan 2015 14:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=157500Have an adventurous Valentine's Day with these date ideas.]]>If the idea of a dinner date followed by a movie makes you yawn, it’s time to spice things up this Valentine’s Day and do something completely different. But with cold weather across nearly the entire country, it’s not so easy to just head outside, go on a hike, or even take a bike ride together. That said, it is still possible to have a more active and romantic date than dinner and a movie. In fact, you can make your date a gift to each other by planning something fun that you know he or she will enjoy.

Go for a romantic run

Photo Credit Thinkstock

While the weather outside might be somewhat frightful, conjure up the idea of warmer weather by giving a gift you know your honey has been wanting, such as membership to a running club. Additionally, as a fun date idea, many cities across the country, even if they’re located in the colder climate, will have a race or two on the weekend to partake in. Get your blood pumping with a race together, and the two of you can encourage each other to cross the finish line.

Glide along an ice rink

Photo Credit Thinkstock

For a colder weather activity, bundle up and lace up those skates. For warmer locations find an indoor rink with free skating times. Going ice skating can also be a bonding activity, especially if you’re holding hands. If one of you is a better skater than the other, it can also be a chance to teach a new skill — or show off some of your moves. This active date has the added benefit of working both your glutes and your legs.

Try indoor rock climbing

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Alternatively, trim down those clothes and break a sweat by rock climbing together. Rock climbing, by its very nature, can help you build self-confidence, but there’s a reason why it’s also a great team-building activity. To get to the top, you’ll need the help of your partner, and in turn this date can help you build trust and confidence in your relationship — while you’re also building muscle.

Take a Class Together

Photo Credit Thinkstock

What do you and your significant other want to learn? Or what hobbies do you share? That can give you a good start when picking out a class to take together. If you want to learn more recipes to make at home, check out a cooking class. Wine aficionados? Take part in a wine tasting. Or if you really want to get moving, enroll in a dancing class and learn how to waltz, salsa, and more. Another great option is to take a partner yoga class, in which you’ll learn how to move together in new ways.

Enjoy a couple’s massage

Photo Credit Thinkstock

After an active day out, a great way to relax is to organize a couple’s massage. Like your day out and about, a massage will release endorphins, but it can also be therapeutic. It will relax your muscles and help take away any pain or stress you may be feeling. Pair this massage with a glass of wine and some chocolate, and you have the makings of the perfect end to your Valentine’s Day date.

No matter what active Valentine’s Day you plan, remember what matters most: who you’re spending the date with.

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she’s writing about a variety of topics for numerous websites and blogs, and working part-time at a culinary vacation company based in the Windy City. Some of her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/date-ideas-for-active-couples-on-valentines-day/feed/0Valentine’s Day Arts And Crafts To Make With Kidshttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/valentines-day-arts-and-crafts-to-make-with-kids/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/valentines-day-arts-and-crafts-to-make-with-kids/#commentsSun, 18 Jan 2015 14:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=157349Work together with your child to create homemade gifts for others.]]>Nothing says love like a handmade gift. It shows that you were willing to put forth the time and creativity to do something special for another person. This Valentine’s Day, teach your child what it means to put love into action as you work together to create homemade gifts for the people—and animals—in your life.

Sweetheart Crayons

Put broken crayons to work in this craft that makes a great gift for classmates.

Work together with your child to break the crayons in small pieces or collect all the already broken crayons. Adults can also use a sharp knife to cut the crayons if needed.

Fill each cavity of the baking mold with the pieces. For a rainbow effect, aim for an assortment of colors in each heart.

Bake the tray of crayon bits in a 250-degree oven until the wax is fully melted. This is usually a 10- to 15-minute process, but times vary by oven and the size of your hearts, so keep a close eye on the process.

After removing the tray from the oven, allow the wax to fully cool and harden. Placing the mold in the freezer not only speeds the process along, but can also make it easier to pop your crayons out of the mold.

This craft is a Valentine’s present for your feathered friends. It would also make a nice gift for a grandparent who enjoys bird watching.

Photo Credit Meghan Ross

Valentine-themed cookie cutters or silicone muffin tin

Cooking spray

Water

Measuring cups

Bird seed

Unflavored gelatin packets

Plastic drinking straws

Yarn

Combine one cup of hot water with two packets of unflavored gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved, and mix in two cups of birdseed.

Spritz the cookie cutters or muffin tin with cooking spray. Pack the mixture firmly into the molds. Push a drinking straw into each birdseed treat to make a hanging hole, and leave it there while the mixture sets.

Place the molds in refrigerator until the gelatin is completely set. This usually takes a few hours. Gently remove the treats from the molds, and remove the straws. Thread a piece of yarn through each hole, and your project is ready to hang outdoors for the birds.

Floral Bookmark

A simple origami tulip can be made into a lovely bookmark for Mom or a teacher.

Photo Credit Meghan Ross

6” square sheet of pink or red paper

Green pipe cleaner

Scissors

Glue

Lay the paper on your work surface, so one corner is pointing toward you. Fold that corner up to the opposite corner, so you have a triangle, with the longest edge closest to you. Fold one of the bottom corners over onto the opposite corner, once again forming a triangle. Unfold the paper, and there will be a crease straight down the middle.

Lift one of the bottom corners, and fold it diagonally upward and across the fold. Do the same with the opposite corner. You should now have one point at the bottom of your project, plus three points at the top. Use a dot of glue to hold the flaps in place.

Snip off the bottom corner to create a small opening in the paper. Dab a bit of glue on one end of the pipe cleaner, and insert it into the opening. Push the paper against the pipe cleaner to help it stick, and allow the glue to dry.

Meghan Ross is a freelance writer covering all things home and living. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/valentines-day-arts-and-crafts-to-make-with-kids/feed/05 Valentine’s Day Weekend Getaway Ideashttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-valentines-day-weekend-getaway-ideas/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-valentines-day-weekend-getaway-ideas/#commentsFri, 16 Jan 2015 14:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=157277Enjoy a romantic weekend getaway for two, or for the whole family at any of these wonderful destination cities. With lots of activities, romantic spots and other hidden fun, you'll be planning another trip out there as soon as possible.]]>It doesn’t happen often, but this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, which means that it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a long, three-day weekend and get out of town on a romantic getaway. Whether you will be traveling with the kids or find a babysitter for the weekend and enjoy a weekend away for two, there are a lot of great spots all over the United States where you can find inexpensive ways to relax and have some fun. Take advantage of the lower gas prices right now and drive to a nearby destination. That way you’ll have more money to spend on a fancy hotel and delicious food, plus you’ll have your car for any site seeing you’ll be doing. Here are a few different spots to consider as you plan your Valentine’s Day weekend getaway this year.

Sedona, Arizona

Photo Credit Thinkstock

The cooler temperatures in February mean this is the perfect time to visit the stunningly beautiful city of Sedona, Arizona. This is the perfect trip for anyone that loves the outdoors, as it offers a lot of amazingly scenic hikes and views. If you aren’t the hiking type, you can also rent a fun pink Jeep and head off-road to check out all the sites. The guided tours offered through Pink Jeep Tours will take you through the stunning rock formations in Sedona, including Capitol Butte, Doe Mesa, Chimney Rock and Lizard Head. When you are done exploring the wilderness, relax at the beautiful Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa, or even seek out a psychic to tell you what the future has in store for you and your love. Yes, Sedona happens to have tons of spiritualists in residence here, as the area’s large rock formations are supposed to have special energy and powers.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Take advantage of the lower gas prices and drive into Colorado Springs for a wonderful trip that is great for the whole family. In addition to the beautiful mountains that surround the city, you’ll find plenty of great activities for everyone. Check out the Air Force Academy and the Olympic Training Center, where you can get tours and learn more about the historic events that have all happened in these locations. You can go for a hike in the Garden of the Gods to catch the towering red rock formations, or wander into Manitou Springs to check out the amazing food and adorable shops, as you can easily spend hours just perusing this lovely little town. The best part? Visiting any of these locations is totally free, which leaves you more money for a special hotel—like the famous Broadmoor Hotel or Cheyenne Mountain Resort—for the two nights that you’ll be in Colorado Springs.

Austin, Texas

Photo Credit Thinkstock

If you are a fan of live music, who loves discovering new sounds and learning about up-and-coming musicians, then bring your sweetie to Austin, Texas. This southern city is often considered the “live music capital of the world.” Of course, the dining in Austin is also something worth visiting on its own, as there are tons of amazing local barbecue joints, chop houses and more. Or you can visit the growing international cuisine scene in Austin—there are plenty of romantic European bistros and other spots to escape for a special meal. Make sure to save some time to wander down 6th Street to experience the Austin talent at it’s best. Lots of bars and live music venues line the street, as music-loving fans wander from bar to bar checking out all the incredible talent. When you are ready to wind-down from a busy day, retire to a beautiful, historic room at the Driskill or enjoy a bite to eat at its 1886 Café and Bakery.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Visit a whole town dedicated to history. You can walk in the very same footsteps of the founding fathers and teach your children all about American history by visiting many of the same locations in which historical events took place. A trip to Colonial Williamsburg is perfect for the whole family, though it’s just as fun for the adults as it is for the kids. It’s like a theme park for history fans. If you are visiting without the kids, you may also want to make a stop at the Williamsburg Winery, where you and your date can enjoy some tastings of several local wines in a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. When you find yourself exhausted from a day packed with learning about American history, retire to a beautiful room at the nearby Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel for a delicious meal and a soak in the large pool, or just sleep it off and get ready for another day of adventure.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Photo Credit Thinkstock

If you’re in the North East, then a romantic getaway to Kennebunkport, Maine is the perfect escape for the long Valentine’s Day weekend. It’s pure, romantic bliss in a beach-side city filled with fresh lobster, quaint shopping and quiet beaches. Spend some time strolling around Dock Square, getting lost in all the different boutique shops, bakeries and restaurants. Or head out to Walker’s Point, where you can enjoy a truly breathtaking view of the coastline and you may even get a sighting of one of the Bush family, as this is near the Bush family summer home. However, if a relaxing beach is what you seek, then Gooch’s Beach is the place to be. Make sure to check the tide report before you visit, as the cold winter months can be dicey. However, if you luck into a warm and low-wind day, you’ll love this gorgeous beach and all the surrounding scenery. After you’ve spent enough time exploring Kennebunkport, retire to a cozy room at the Captain Lord Mansion Inn and Spa.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-valentines-day-weekend-getaway-ideas/feed/0Best Valentine’s Day Dates For Parents In Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-valentines-day-dates-for-parents-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-valentines-day-dates-for-parents-in-seattle/#commentsFri, 07 Feb 2014 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=118700Here are five date ideas for busy parents who still want to have a special Valentine's Day in Seattle.]]>Valentine’s Day can be difficult to plan for just about everybody, but when you are raising a family, making time for each other can be especially hard. Fortunately, this year Valentine’s Day is celebrated on a Friday which should allow for a little flexibility. Stumped for ideas? Here are five of the best.

Pretend to be tourist and take in everything on the Seattle waterfront. Go for a spin on the Big Wheel (giant ferris wheel), visit the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, have lunch somewhere you’ve never been to before and then shop throughout the market. Pick up some fresh produce and maybe a salmon for a romantic dinner at home after the kids are in bed.

Looking to rekindle a spark? It’s hard to resist the music of the masters. The Northwest Symphony Orchestra is offering a Valentine’s concert focusing on “Latin Passion.” It will include music by Tchaikovsky (“Capriccio Italien”), Bizet (“Carmen Suite #1″), Aaron Copland (“El Salon Mexico”) and Ravel (“Bolero”). Tickets are $15 and the music begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Highline Performing Arts Center.

Nobody says that you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 14th. Plus, you’ll have an easier time finding a sitter if you wait a day. While you’re at it, why not do something nice for others at the same time? Rotary First Harvest will be hosting an elegant affair including wine, jazz, heavy appetizers, chocolate and cheese sampling. The event will be held from 6 p.m until 9 p.m. at the Washington Athletic Club’s ballroom. Tickets are $55 and proceeds will go to helping local food banks.

Enjoy dinner and a movie – at the same time – at Cinebarre located in Mountlake Terrace. Set in a traditional movie theater, every seat has a table in front of it, guests mark up their order card and the servers will bring out their meals without disturbing the show. The cost of the movie is comparable to other local theaters and the food prices are not outrageous. Perhaps the best feature is that you can schedule what time works the best for you.

With little children at home, sometimes it’s just easier to stay in rather than go out for Valentine’s Day. But with a little planning, it can be just as special. Take a trip to Scarecrow Video, the largest independent video store in the country. It features over 120,000 different movies, so you’ll be sure to find “your” movie that means something to the two of you. Purchase a variety of theater candy and set up a fun display. Pop some popcorn (with butter of course) and serve it all with Coca-Cola in the bottles.

Jeffrey Totey is a freelance writer living in Seattle. He has a love for the arts and is a student of pop culture. He covers stories about the performing arts, theater, museums, cultural events, movies and more in the greater Seattle area. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-valentines-day-dates-for-parents-in-seattle/feed/0Great Places To Share A Meal On Valentine’s Day In Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/great-places-to-share-a-meal-on-valentines-day-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/great-places-to-share-a-meal-on-valentines-day-in-seattle/#commentsWed, 29 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=116157There’s nothing like finding that perfect spot to break bread and share a meal with a loved one (Valentine’s Day and beyond).]]>There’s nothing like finding that perfect spot to break bread and share a meal with a loved one (Valentine’s Day and beyond). Whether it’s a small, intimate setting or a buzzy hot spot, there are plenty of dining options out there to fit just about any mood. And if the mood calls for an evening of sharing small plates, other noshes and late-night libations with your main squeeze, here are a few restaurants that certainly fit the bill.

There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than with a loved one sitting around a table and sharing dish after dish of your favorite foods. In this case, the flavor-packed fare is Lebanese and families come from all over the city to break bread, enjoy some whiskey and share a meal. Just like a traditional Lebanese restaurant, this charmer serves up endless classics like the Lebneh bi Zaatar, a creamy yogurt-cheese with Zaatar drizzled with olive oil. Your dining partner will have a hard time resisting the hot-off-the-grill skewers of beef, chicken and lamb (definitely check out the Kafta Mishwiyeh that features ground lamb with spices and bulgur) that are offered daily. But not to worry, at Cafe Munir there’s always enough for everyone at your table to enjoy.

Enter into this warm and cozy eatery and you are immediately welcomed with a friendly smile as well as with the scents of some incredible spices coming out of the kitchen. Come hungry and come with your favorite dining companion because Meskel is the perfect spot to share in your favorite Ethiopian food. The classic dish, the vegetable combination, is really a large platter. Sitting atop the spongy and tangy injera bread rests generous offerings of red lentils cooked with spices, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, shero, greens and tomato fit fit. Another Ethiopian favorite that is prime for sharing is the doro wot, a chicken-based dish which comes to the table in a cast iron pot simmering in a myriad of spices.

Chef Ethan Stowell recently opened MKT., his latest entry in the city dining scene. It’s a perfect spot to grab a seat and enjoy some contemporary American fare. But if you find that this intimate newcomer (only 28 seats) is already full, then you should take your loved one and make a beeline to one of Chef Stowell’s other popular eateries, Rione XIII. Here, you’ll have plenty of room to cozy up with your dining mate and share in some serious Italian dishes via Rome. You might want to start with some small plates like the Suppli al Telefono (fried risotto, beef ragu and mozzarella) or the classic steamed manila clams with guanciale, fennel and white wine with a touch of mint. Of course, nothing says Italian dining like a Roman street pizza and Rione XIII serves up these rustic pies to be shared, including the golden potato pizza with rosemary and anchovy.

If you’re looking to impress that special person in your life, then sharing a meal at Artusi is a step in the right direction. This Italian eatery, which sits on a busy corner in Capitol Hill, buzzes at night but still has an intimacy about it that is perfect for sharing a meal with that special someone. Known for its pasta, you won’t want to miss out on hand-cut egg tagliatelle with melted spaghetti squash, roasted parsnips, mandarin and mint. But before you fill up on the pasta (or the steak and duck dishes also offered), you might want to share a few antipasti. The Artusi ‘Russian Salad’ is perfect for two with prosciutto cotto, parsnips and heirloom potatoes all pulled together with a tarragon maionese. And if you’re looking to end your meal on a romantic note, you may want to consider sharing the cioccolato-soaked dark chocolate cake top with fresh cream.

Often found dotting the top of the everyone’s “Best Of” lists, Joule continues to impress diners with its modern take on Korean cuisine. And with the restaurant’s recent move to the Wallingford/Fremont neighborhood, it is also impressing diners with its luxe new digs. If the thought of sharing innovative side dishes (like the cold-smoked escolar, pickled daikon and seaweed) with a special friend in a sleek, modern setting sounds right up your alley, then Joule should be topping your list as well. And it’s just not the side dishes that are sharable. Steak is always a sure bet at Joule, but if you prefer tentacles, you might want to share the octopus with bok choy and hot bacon vinaigrette. And even though Joule will bust out its “his” and “her” menus on Valentine’s Day – it’s a pretty good bet that there will be plenty of shareable dishes to go around.

Jenise Silva is a freelance writer in Seattle who has studied culinary, visual and performing arts. She penned the financial planning guide Women & Money, and has been writing about food and the arts for a number of years. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/great-places-to-share-a-meal-on-valentines-day-in-seattle/feed/0Best Places To Get Valentine’s Day Gifts In Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-to-get-valentines-day-gifts-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-to-get-valentines-day-gifts-in-seattle/#commentsTue, 28 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=116148Check out these local Seattle stores that offer a number of Valentine's Day gift ideas for both men and women.]]> While not everyone enthusiastically celebrates Valentine’s Day, there are some die-hard romantics that always make time to find their sweetheart a unique gift for this heart-filled holiday. Whether you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, as well as your sweethearts, or you want to give a one-of-a-kind gift that you can only find in the Pacific Northwest, there are a few places in Seattle that celebrate Valentine’s Day and offer gifts especially for this holiday of love.

Located in west Seattle, Avalon Glassworks glass-blowing studio offers the unique opportunity to watch them work as your work of art is being created. The staff invites you to come in and witness the art of glass-blowing, as well as visit their gift store full of beautifully-crafted, one-of-a-kind glass pieces. Avalon Glassworks offers a specific gift list of items for Valentine’s Day that includes glass heart art, kiss ornaments, vases, bowls and much more at very reasonable prices. Avalon can also craft specialty items, so if you have something specific in mind, come into the shop and discuss the details of creating your unique glass-blown piece.

Giving a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day has been done to death, so why not look for a different kind of delectable dessert item to satisfy your sweetheart’s sweet tooth? Founded in 2003, Cupcake Royale in Seattle is a cupcake cafe and bakery that offers just that sort of thing with its Valentine’s Day assortment of cupcakes that are sure to tantalize every taste bud. All of its cupcakes are made from scratch daily and feature a fresh, real buttercream frosting that tastes unlike any other frosting you may have had before. The Valentine’s Day cupcake assortment is available annually, from January 18 to February 14, and includes a dozen cupcakes with pink or red frosting and candy hearts and sprinkles on top. Choose from signature cupcakes like the Red Velvet, the Triple Threat chocolate, the Dance Party or the Kate.

Made In Washington offers a variety of gifts made locally by artists and designers in the Pacific Northwest. The shop has a section especially for Valentine’s Day that features numerous gift ideas including hand-blown glass heart ornaments, hand-painted wine glasses, chocolate wines, heart-shaped paperweights, chocolate candy assortments and much more. Shop at its Pike Place Market location or online at the company website for the largest selection of valentine-inspired gift ideas for your loved ones.

Chocolati Handmade Chocolates is located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle and features many sweetheart-inspired Valentine’s Day gifts. Choose from handmade chocolate confection treats, foil-wrapped chocolates, gourmet truffles in heart-shaped boxes, white chocolate cherubs, heart-shaped sucker candies, foil-wrapped chocolates in the shape of kissable lips and puffy milk chocolate hearts. Stop into Chocolati and pick out the perfect sweets for your sweet. Buy them individually, or create your own gourmet basket of tasty chocolate treats to enjoy on Valentine’s Day.

Just northeast of downtown Seattle, in Bothell, Washington, David Morgan is a retail store and warehouse that has been in business since 1962. It offers a wide variety of handcrafted jewelry items, leather goods, clothing items, accessories, hats, luggage and much more. For Valentine’s Day, David Morgan features a number of quality items that are heart-themed, as well as other wonderful gift ideas, including handmade moccasins, Celtic engagement rings for women, lovebirds jewelry with totem-inspired carvings, a never-ending hearts pendant, everlasting love earrings, fedora hats for men, Celtic belt buckles and much more.

Sue Gabel has been writing entertainment and travel-related articles in the greater Puget Sound/Seattle area since 1999. She writes about music, the Seattle scene and more. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-to-get-valentines-day-gifts-in-seattle/feed/0Best Date Night Shows For Valentine’s Day In Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-date-night-shows-for-valentines-day-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-date-night-shows-for-valentines-day-in-seattle/#commentsMon, 27 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=116146Leave the traditional Valentine's Day garb behind this year and instead come out and party at one of these exciting Valentine's Day shows and events in Seattle.]]> Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to be about flowers, chocolates or even a romantic dinner, although most women would appreciate any of those traditional gift ideas. Instead, try celebrating Valentine’s Day in a different way this year by taking in a popular Seattle show with your date or sweetheart. You’ll have several to choose from, including an entertaining burlesque show, a couple of rock music shows featuring popular bands from the area and flirty dance parties featuring DJs and live music to get you on your feet and grooving the night away.

The Triple Door venue in Seattle has two fun burlesque shows scheduled for Valentine’s Day, with one starting at 7 p.m. and the other at 10 p.m. The Atomic Bombshells, a well-known burlesque troop from the area, will keep you entertained with its Valentine’s Day show called “J’Adore! A Burlesque Valentine.” Not only will you get to see these lovely ladies in action on stage, you’ll also be treated to a delicious Asian-inspired dinner, complete with a main course, dessert and cocktails. Tickets may be purchased in advance or on the day of the show.

The Crocodile in downtown Seattle will be bumping on Valentine’s Day with a band called BowieVision, as they will be making their debut that evening, along with opening bands Purr Gato and Braxmatics. The “Let’s Dance Valentine’s Ball” begins at 8 p.m. and is a 21-and-over event. Be sure to put on your most comfortable “red shoes and dance the blues” because all three bands will have you on your feet throughout the night. BowieVision will not only be playing the music of David Bowie, but will also provide a funky, visual backdrop with lights and video footage. Braxmatics will play funky, old-school 80s-type music and Purr Gato will do the same, while adding its own touch of electronica to the mix. Event tickets can be purchased in advance or upon arrival at the door.

The Tractor Tavern is hosting a Valentine’s Day Party, which starts at 9 p.m. and features the rock and pop band The Moondoggies, as well as two additional, alternative and indie rock acts — Ark Life and Dean Johnson. The Tractor Tavern is located in the Ballard neighborhood and is one of Seattle’s go-to places that always features live music. The Moondoggies band members have known one another since high school, and say their music is influenced primarily by 60s and 70s psychedelic acts such as The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and The Band. Event tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door on the day of the event.

For Valentine’s Day, Seattle’s Showbox presents the Pulses Tour with Karmin’s Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan at Neumos. Never heard of them? Well you’re not the only one, but if you go to Youtube and search for this up-and-coming duo, you’ll be blown away. Amy and Nick were discovered on Youtube doing cover rap videos of superstars such as Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes. Along with Amy and Nick of Karmin, you can also enjoy the lyrical genius known as Bryce Vine. Vine is a rapping voice major at Berklee College of Music and has also made a name for himself rather quickly, being compared to artists such as Mac Miller and Travie McCoy. Tickets for this all-ages show can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Simply called RED, this Valentine’s Day party is being hailed as “Seattle’s flirtiest bash” and welcomes one and all including singles, couples and groups of friends to come out and dance all night long to one of the best DJs in the area, DJ Mack Long. Put on your best red attire, whether it be a red cocktail dress, a suit, slacks, shirt or tie. The theme is red and everyone is encouraged to “dress to impress,” meaning no jeans, sneakers or athletic attire. Five full bars will be available to guests, so you’ll have plenty of cocktails, beers and appetizers to last throughout the night. If you are single, you’ll have plenty of chances to mingle too, as ThreeStepDating.com will be there to kick the party into high-gear with singles activities. Tickets will sell fast, so it’s wise to purchase them online and in advance to secure admission.

Sue Gabel has been writing entertainment and travel-related articles in the greater Puget Sound/Seattle area since 1999. She writes about music, the Seattle scene and more. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-date-night-shows-for-valentines-day-in-seattle/feed/0Best Books For Finding Love This Valentine’s Dayhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-books-for-finding-love-this-valentines-day/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-books-for-finding-love-this-valentines-day/#commentsSun, 19 Jan 2014 14:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=116577Looking for that perfect book for your loved one? Our friends at Simon & Schuster have a lot of fantastic dating guides and a few less-traditional reads to help you feel the love this Valentine’s Day.]]>

Looking for that perfect book for your loved one? Our friends at Simon & Schuster have a lot of fantastic dating guides and a few less-traditional reads to help you feel the love this Valentine’s Day.

Are You My Boyfriend?
By C.B. Bryza with illustrations by Simon Greiner

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

If you’re not sure if someone is your boyfriend and you can’t bring yourself to ask him if he is, you’ll have a good laugh while reading Are You My Boyfriend?,a hilarious parody on the classic picture book Are You My Mother?. Follow the young woman as she sets out to find that special someone—and chuckle at all the unsuitable matches she meets along the way.

Forever, Interrupted: A Novel By Taylor Jenkins Reid

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

Whether you’ve got a date for Valentine’s Day dinner or planned a less romantic night with a box of tissues, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s debut novel, will make you laugh, cry, and melt even the iciest of hearts. In this captivating love story, a woman who loses her husband of nine days turns to her mother-in-law—who just found out she existed—for support. Perfect for fans of Jennifer Weiner or Emily Giffin.

Love at First Click: The Ultimate Guide to Online Dating By Laurie Davis

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

This is the ultimate guide to navigating the vast and often confusing world of online dating. From choosing the right site and creating the perfect profile to meeting an online crush in an offline setting, expert Laurie Davis’s advice will have you ready to meet your “match” before Valentine’s Day.

The Gaggle: How to Find Love in the Post-Dating World By Jessica Massa

Photo Credit Simon & Schuster

The Gaggle captures the zeitgeist of today’s “post-dating” world where instead of traditionally dating, women are finding the old rules for romance no longer apply. So, instead, you have a “gaggle” of men: a group of guys who you may not be dating, but who fulfill different needs in your life. In this clever book, you’ll discover a new path to love and soon find that perhaps romance is all around you.

The Art of Falling in Love By Joe Beam

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

Sexologist and marriage and relationship expert Joe Beam shares a guaranteed, fail-proof process for falling in love based on years of research, counseling, and working with couples who want more in their marriage or are on the verge of divorce. This four-step process—which Joe calls “The LovePath”—is also an excellent resource for singles that want to know how to find true, lasting love.

Much Ado About Loving: What Our Favorite Novels Can Teach You About Date Expectations, Not So-Great Gatsbys, and Love in the Time of Internet Personals By Maura Kelly and Jack Murnighan

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

If you’ve ever thought your love life strangely resembled a plotline in a Jane Austen novel, Much Ado About Loving is the advice book for you. Kelly and Murnigham blend relationship advice with literary criticism to help you better understand your romantic conundrum. Using literary references to answer questions like: “How do I talk to a sensitive man?” or “What’s the line between confidence and arrogance?”), these timeless and relevant essays offer bookish insight to your real-life dating woes.

This list was curated by Simon & Schuster, a CBS Company. For more information on any of these books or audiobooks, please visit www.simonandschuster.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-books-for-finding-love-this-valentines-day/feed/0Outdoor Valentine’s Day Date Ideashttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/outdoor-valentines-day-date-ideas/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/outdoor-valentines-day-date-ideas/#commentsSun, 19 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=116620Get creative this Valentine's Day with a date outdoors, no matter what climate you live in.]]>

Think outside the traditional box of chocolates and the bouquet of long-stemmed red roses this Valentine’s Day. Instead, surprise your loved one with a unique excursion outdoors, and tailor the date to the activities you know you and your honey enjoy. A date outdoors can be a special treat without breaking the bank, no matter what city you live in. After all, even if you live in a snowy climate, an outdoor date gives you even more reason to cuddle with your favorite person to stay warm.

Hiking

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Head to the local nature center or park for a romantic hike in the woods, and don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket. The beautiful scenery will inspire as you’re serenaded by the birds. In the colder climates, get active with a friendly snowball fight. Make the date even more romantic: Start your hike just before sunrise or sunset to savor those first or last rays of sunshine with your sweetie.

Ice Skating

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Whether you have skills on the ice or are just a beginner, ice skating at the local rink or pond can be a great date activity. Not only can you hold hands while you circle the rink together, but it’ll also give you a chance to chat. Once you’re off the rink, share a hot chocolate by a cozy fireplace to warm up. If you are in a warmer climate perhaps instead of ice skating you hit the road and rollerblade for an afternoon of fun (and fitness).

Visit the Zoo

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Local zoos often host different events and themes throughout the year, making them a wonderful go-to destination even in the winter time. From zoo lights to wine tastings and more on Valentine’s Day, zoos offer a magical atmosphere that’s not just for the kids. Some city zoos even host love-themed events, such as stories about the mating ways of its animals!

Moonlight Walk or Snowshoe

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Star gazing isn’t just for the summer time. Head outside the city limits after bundling up or dressing weather appropriate, and take a walk or snowshoeing trek under the night-time sky. Don’t forget the blankets so you can enjoy some wine or hot cocoa while you and your honey search for shooting stars to make a wish upon.

Skiing and Sledding

Photo Credit Thinkstock

If you don’t live near a ski slope, consider planning a short romantic getaway with your ski and snow gear in tow. Or, if you can’t make it out of town, find a local sledding hill; be sure to share a sled so that you cozy up and enjoy the ride together. After spending an invigorating day outside in the cold weather, head back inside to warm up together next to a roaring fire.

No matter what kind of weather you have in winter, as long as its not subzero temperatures, an outdoor Valentine’s Day activity is one that you and your loved one can cherish for years to come.

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she’s scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/outdoor-valentines-day-date-ideas/feed/0Wow Your Valentine With A Homemade Mealhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/wow-your-valentine-with-a-homemade-meal/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/wow-your-valentine-with-a-homemade-meal/#commentsSun, 19 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=116924Stay in on Valentine's Day and wow your sweetheart with one of these heaven-sent feasts.]]>

Your life as a couple may be hectic, mundane or a combination of the two, but no matter what your dining style, Valentine’s Day presents an opportunity for you to break the mold, smooth out the daily grind and partake of a sensual feast, satisfying to palate, eye and heart. If you’re short on ideas as well as time, you can still feed all your senses by nabbing these simple yet elegant ambiance boosters suggested by lifestyle designer Robert Beukema, as well as several select recipes that ooze love as well as flavor.

Sweetly Sexy

Even if your home is typically scattered with Tonka trucks and your idea of a color palate is whatever food your kids smear on the wall, you can alter the ambiance of your humble abode with a few simple tricks and mood-altering lighting. Hopefully, your babysitter didn’t cancel and you’ll have time to swap out your 75-watters with more flattering and soft, pink light bulbs, creating a delicate cast to the room.

Photo Credit Thinkstock

A quick once-over with a dust mop couldn’t hurt, but also take the time to scout out simple, special table touches such as heart-shaped dishes, red napkins, dime-store doilies or lovely pink and red-wrapped chocolates you can place in simple white bowls.

No time to shop? “Look around the house for random decks of playing cards for Kings and Queens of Hearts,” suggests Beukema. “You can script each other’s names on them and slip them into small frames to create romantic place settings, or simply use place cards, which can be fun and festive,” he says.

After setting the stage, opt for a succulent meal elegantly infused with fruity red wine, like Coq au Vin. Contrary to popular belief, this opulent meal doesn’t need to cook all day. Go for this 30-minute version of this classic French feast:

4-5 chicken legs and thighs

one cup Porcini mushrooms

3 strips pancetta

1 cup frozen, cooked pearl onions

1-2 carrots, chopped into large pieces

4 cloves minced garlic

3/4 cup chicken stock

2 cups fruity red wine, preferably not cooking wine

1 tablespoon tomato paste

salt, pepper, bay leaf, thyme and parsley to taste

Wash and season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown the pancetta and add onions and chicken to the pot until browned on all sides. Drain fat and add the rest of the ingredients, except parsley. Simmer until chicken is cooked thoroughly, around 20 minutes. Remove the chicken and boil the rest of the ingredients until the liquid reduces by about half. Place chicken back into the pot and garnish with parsley before serving. Serves 2.

Raving Romantic

Sumptuously indulgent but messy to eat, lobster is rarely on the average cook’s weekly shopping list. For Valentine’s Day, why not surprise the love of your life with this delectable adaptation of the Maine Lobster Council’s Beurre Blanc Lobster and Spaghetti, made all the more special with a hint of vanilla? This is not a meal that lends itself to paper plates, so don’t forget to break out the fine china and set a table to remember.

Photo Credit Thinkstock

2 lobsters, 1 to 1 1/2 pounds each

5 tablespoons softened butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 red onion,medium sized

1/2 cup sweet white wine, preferably not cooking wine

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 bay leaves

1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

nutmeg to taste

1/2 box spaghetti or linguine

Cook pasta, set aside. Boil water for lobsters, cook covered until done, approximately 15 minutes, reserving cooking liquid. Remove lobsters to cool, and remove meat from shells. Add 3-4 ounces of cooking liquid to the lobster meat in a covered pan. Make the beurre blanc sauce by sautéing the onion in butter and olive oil until soft and deglazing with apple cider vinegar. Add the bay leaves and cook until the liquid evaporates. Add the half and half or heavy cream, whisking until reduced by about half.and add vanilla and nutmeg. Remove lobster from cooking liquid and return to pan. Pour beurre blanc sauce over the lobster and heat in the oven for 15 minutes until warm. Serve over spaghetti. Serves two.

“The Valentine’s Day table provides you with a chance to create a little magic,” says Beukema, who suggests ramping up the romance with candles. “Try nestling pillar candles inside glass cylinders, wrapped with delicate handmade paper, doilies, love-song sheet music, poems or intimate love letters. The light from the candles will become almost translucent and very flattering to the skin. Vary the cylinder heights for added interest or cluster on an elegant table runner,” he suggests.

Nothing is more romantic than the element of surprise. Send a limo to your sweetie’s work place and sweep her off her feet and into your romantic, flower-filled home. If you really want to be a hero, let partner’s boss in on your plans with a secret request for the rest of the day off.

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Set the stage by serving romantically pink-hued cocktails like Cosmopolitans, or jazz your drinks to ruby red with an infusion of raspberry vodka. Make sure the table is immaculately set with an elegant place setting for two and don’t forget to soften the feeling of daylight with light dimmers, sheer, drawn curtains and candles.Play your favorite mood music and let the scent of Cherry and Apricot Cognac-Baked Brie and crusty French bread waft into the room. Throw lump crabmeat or jumbo shrimp into a crisp green salad and indulge in a slow and easy, all-day Valentine’s lunch. Don’t forget to top it off with insanely delicious, red velvet cupcakes. Ah, romance!

1 full round Brie cheese (8 ounces)

1/2 cup dried cherries

1/2 cup dried, diced apricots

1/2 cup walnuts or other nut

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup cognac

Combine cherries, apricots, walnuts, cognac and brown sugar. Spoon over cheese which has been placed in baking tray. Back in oven for approximately 20 minutes or until cheese softens. Serves two.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/wow-your-valentine-with-a-homemade-meal/feed/05 Ways To Spice Up Valentine’s Day This Yearhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-ways-to-spice-up-valentines-day-this-year/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-ways-to-spice-up-valentines-day-this-year/#commentsSun, 19 Jan 2014 12:30:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=116838Spice up your plans with these five ways to ignite the fire in your relationship this Valentine's Day]]>

Are dinner, roses and a box of chocolates what you have in mind for Valentine’s Day this year? That sounds nice enough, but why not spice up your plans with an out-of-the-ordinary touch? Here’s five ways to ignite the fire in your relationship this Valentine’s Day.

Enroll in a Massage Class

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Who wouldn’t appreciate a well-executed massage? Sign up for a massage class to refine your abilities, then surprise your lover on Valentine’s Day with the skills you’ve learned. Community college continuing education programs or local massage establishments may offer courses.

Another option is to sign up for a couple’s massage class. Learning together and practicing on one another can be a very romantic experience. If you can’t enroll in a course before Valentine’s Day, consider gifting a couples class to your lover as present for the holiday.

Take Your Chocolate up a Notch

(Credit, Meghan Ross)

Chocolate is known as an aphrodisiac, but spice it up this Valentine’s Day with a little extra oomph. Shop for exotic varieties with unusual mix-ins. Look for chocolate bars that include bacon, spices, berries or beer.

Some companies even sell chocolates with aphrodisiac herbs mixed in. Your lover will certainly get your romantic message when you gift him or her with a double-dose of aphrodisiacs to savor together.

Head Outside

Photo Credit Thinkstock

There’s nothing like a night under the stars for a little romance. If you live in an area where it’s not frigid in February, spread a blanket for an outdoor picnic with bread, wine and fancy cheeses.

If it’s too chilly to consider dining outdoors, bundle up for a hike instead. If you have a telescope, bring it along for a closer-up look at the nighttime sky. After your outdoor excursion, warm up with an indoor picnic for two spread on the living room floor.

Adopt a Furry Friend

Photo Credit Thinkstock

For an animal lover, an adorable new pet might be the quickest way to his or her heart, so surprise your significant other with a new four-legged family member. Ahead of time, go on a date to the pet store or shelter and take special note of the animals that catch your loved one’s eye. Return in secret to adopt his or her favorite one.

Don’t forget the details! Your gift will be all the more appreciated when you’ve taken care of the legwork. Make sure you have on hand all the food, toys and other accessories you’ll need for your pet’s homecoming.

Plan a Getaway

Photo Credit Thinkstock

A trip for two might be just the recharge your relationship needs. Whether it’s to the next town over or halfway around the world, a getaway can be a magical time for focusing on one another. You can eat at interesting restaurants, explore tourist attractions or browse little shops, as long as you do it together.

To make your trip extra romantic, plan it in secret and whisk your lover away to a surprise destination. Take care of all the packing, so all your partner has to do is get in the car and wonder where you might be headed.

There can be more to Valentine’s Day than dinner and a movie. This year, celebrate your love in spiced-up style with one of these memorable ideas.

Meghan Ross is a freelance writer covering all things home and living. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Advertisers would have you believe that Valentine’s Day is all about romantic love, so where does that leave you as a single person? Wallowing in loneliness and self pity? No way! No matter your relationship status, Valentine’s Day can be an event to look forward to. Here are five tips for flying solo in style on Feb. 14.

Make It a Friends Night

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Who needs a partner when you’ve got great friends? Take Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate those friends you just can’t imagine living without. Invite them over for a night of fun or go out on the town together. If you want to take your friend time up a notch, organize a gift exchange. Each participant draws the name of one other person and purchases a gift for him or her. After all, if coupled-off people get gifts for Valentine’s Day, why shouldn’t you?

Do Something for Someone Else

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Feeling down? Helping someone else out can really pick you up. Serve a meal at a shelter, visit the residents of a nursing home or offer to babysit for friends who don’t often get out without kids in tow.If you don’t want to draw attention to yourself, find some good that you can do anonymously. A friend who’s gone through a recent breakup might appreciate a delivery of flowers. You’ll still get that warm, fuzzy feeling from helping someone else, plus the thrill of pulling off a secret mission without getting caught.

Pamper Yourself

(Credit, Meghan Ross)

Is there something that you’d really love to do, but you’ve been making excuses for why you shouldn’t? Be your own Valentine and treat yourself to something special.Request the day off of work so you can take a trip to the spa. Pick up a copy of a book, movie or video game you’ve been eyeing and spend the evening enjoying it. Pampering yourself doesn’t have to involve spending big bucks. It might just mean setting aside responsibilities for one night in order to do what you’d really like to do, like relaxing in a candlelit bubble bath.

Check out the Singles Scene

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Restaurants will be filled with dining couples, so if that makes you uncomfortable, gravitate to where the singles are. A singles bar, will be filled with plenty of other folks who are flying solo for the night. It’s easier to keep the perspective that you’re not the only person without a significant other when you’re in a room full of un-partnered people.The goal for the night shouldn’t be on finding someone special so you’ll be in a relationship by next Valentine’s Day. Instead, just focus on getting out, having fun and maybe making a few new friends.

Spend Time with the Ones You Love

(Credit, Meghan Ross)

Although there are plenty of messages out there that equate Valentine’s Day with romance, it can really just be a day to celebrate love. Make an effort to spend time with the special people in your life. Visit a dear friend who has moved away, go see your grandparents or treat your nieces and nephews to a burger and fries.

If there too many miles between you and the people who have shaped your life, write a letter. Put pen to paper and share all the ways they’ve influenced you. Smile as you slide the letter or card in an envelope, knowing what a treasure it will be to receive in the mail.

This Valentine’s Day, make the focus on all the things you love about yourself, your interests and your favorite people, and it will be worth remembering.

Meghan Ross is a freelance writer covering all things home and living. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/flying-solo-5-tips-for-singles-on-valentines-day/feed/0What To Consider When Buying An Engagement Ringhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/what-to-consider-when-buying-an-engagement-ring/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/what-to-consider-when-buying-an-engagement-ring/#commentsSun, 19 Jan 2014 12:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=116958No woman really feels engaged until she has a ring on her finger. If you’ve decided to make it official this Valentine’s Day, here's how to make sure the ring in your pocket is the one she’s been visualizing since the day you met.]]>

No matter what she says, no woman really feels engaged until she has a ring on her finger. If you’ve decided to make it official this Valentine’s Day, you’ll need to do more than rehearse the big question, you’ll also have to make sure the ring in your pocket is the one she’s been visualizing since the day you met. Here’s how to seal the deal with the perfect engagement ring.

Set your budget and choose your jeweler

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You may wish to give her the sun, moon and stars, but starting out your lives together in debt is less than a perfect strategy for marriage success. While some still rely upon the three-month rule, every person’s financial situation is different. Be realistic about what you can afford, based on your current salary, prospects and financial goals. And don’t forget to budget in the cost of insurance. Nothing is more expensive than an uninsured, lost or stolen ring.

Unless you’re in the habit of buying $10,000 trinkets on a regular basis, you’ll need to find a jeweler you can trust. This is a lot like picking the right doctor. Research online reviews, take their reputation and number of years in business into account, as well as the type of merchandise they are known for and overall taste level of their stock. To determine their level of professional education, ask if they have American Gem Society credentials. A good jeweler will work within your budget and know what to suggest and where you can compromise in order to get the type of ring you are hoping for.

Know her style, to diamond or not to diamond?

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Who is this lovely woman you fell in love with? Is she a rustic, cowboy boots and jeans kind of girl or does she lean toward classic looks and cool sophistication? Analyze her over-all style before you buy, and if necessary, enlist the troops. This is where all the brownie points you’ve accrued with her friends and family come in handy. Ask her mom, sister or best friend for advice, or to accompany you to the jeweler for a second opinion. These are the people most likely to know her ring size, too.

While many women have their hearts set on wearing the perfect diamond till death do you part, engagement rings have been known to house a wide variety of gems. Kate Middleton hardly balked at receiving her blue sapphire and diamond heirloom and Halle Berry’s magnificent emerald was reminiscent of her green peridot birth stone. While opting for a non-traditional ring may not always wind up being less expensive than a diamond will, it may jive more with the love-of-your-life’s personal style.

The 4 C’s

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If a diamond is a must, you’ll have to take a crash course in carat, clarity, color and cut. Diamonds are graded on these four characteristics and it is here where that all-important budget and the expertise of a knowledgeable jeweler will come into play. If your goal is a stone as sparkly as her personality, cut will be the most important characteristic. Rock size does matter, but a good jeweler will be able to work with you on compromising somewhat on color and clarity levels so as to enable you to purchase a larger ring.

Don’t forget the band

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Bands typically come in gold, white gold and platinum, with platinum being the most expensive, but also the strongest. If you do decide to go for the gold, make sure the ring claws are checked every couple of years so as to ensure the stone’s safety, or opt for a gold band with platinum claws, for maximum strength.

Congratulations to you both and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/what-to-consider-when-buying-an-engagement-ring/feed/0How I Met Your Mother: Barney & Robin’s Wedding Playlisthttp://b96.cbslocal.com/2013/02/13/how-i-met-your-mother-barney-robins-wedding-playlist/
http://b96.cbslocal.com/2013/02/13/how-i-met-your-mother-barney-robins-wedding-playlist/#commentsThu, 14 Feb 2013 21:34:57 +0000hkoeppelhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=82734Can you believe it, Barney and Robin are actually getting married? In honor of Valentine's Day check out this playlist that would be most appropriate for their big day!]]>Can you believe it, Barney and Robin are actually getting married? In honor of Valentine's Day check out this playlist that would be most appropriate for their big day!]]>http://b96.cbslocal.com/2013/02/13/how-i-met-your-mother-barney-robins-wedding-playlist/feed/02 Broke Girls: Songs for Single Girlshttp://b96.cbslocal.com/2013/02/13/2-broke-girls-songs-for-single-girls/
http://b96.cbslocal.com/2013/02/13/2-broke-girls-songs-for-single-girls/#commentsThu, 14 Feb 2013 21:34:14 +0000hkoeppelhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=82731Max and Caroline show you what strong single females characters are all about, this playlist reflect the sound of grown-up power that celebrates all that is fun, fierce, flirty and free.]]>Max and Caroline show you what strong single females characters are all about, this playlist reflect the sound of grown-up power that celebrates all that is fun, fierce, flirty and free.]]>http://b96.cbslocal.com/2013/02/13/2-broke-girls-songs-for-single-girls/feed/0Best Bets For Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts In Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/02/14/best-bets-for-last-minute-valentines-day-gifts-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/02/14/best-bets-for-last-minute-valentines-day-gifts-in-seattle/#commentsThu, 14 Feb 2013 14:00:58 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=35648You don’t need to pre-order or show up days in advance to find the perfect present for a lover. Instead, you can swing by on February 14 and pick out an item that makes you […]]]>You don’t need to pre-order or show up days in advance to find the perfect present for a lover. Instead, you can swing by on February 14 and pick out an item that makes you appear to have thought long and hard about your selection. If you are a down-to-the wire shopper, visit one of these best bets for last minute Valentine’s Day gifts in Seattle.

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Parfumerie Nasreen

Finding your spouse’s favorite perfume can be a challenge unless you visit Parfumerie Nasreen. Located in the Alexis Hotel, this 20-year-old boutique boasts of over 520 fragrances. For this reason, you have access to a range of products found in both discount and high-end stores. Some items are even rare. The employees at Parfumerie Nasreen are friendly and believe in providing visitors with excellent customer service. Shoppers at Parfumerie Nasreen also enjoy complimentary gift-wrapping, fragrance sampling and free shipping within the United States.

Marie & Freres

Does your lover need extra encouragement in the bedroom? Give this special individual a box of chocolates. When eaten, this dark, sweet stuff acts as an aphrodisiac helping increase the consumer’s sex drive. Get a special concoction of this treat at Marie & Freres, one of the best bests for last minute Valentine’s Day Gifts in Seattle. They work with growers, artisans and chefs to bring locals show-stopping chocolates. The origin of their cacao is from Mata Atlantica, a World Biosphere Reserve that is inhabited by a large number of endangered species. As a result, as you support these chocolatiers, you help protect the planet.

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Trudy’s Floral Design

The practice of sending someone a bouquet of roses on Valentine’s Day is a popular practice in America. Why? The various colors of this woody perennial have different connotations. White is a sign of purity, yellow indicates friendship and red symbolizes love. Obtain a special arrangement of roses this year from Trudy’s Floral Design. The owner is an implant from Switzerland who brings a unique flair to all of her creations. She also carries other items in her store such as gift baskets and decorative glass pieces.

EE Robins

Do you plan on proposing to your steady on February 14? If so, one of your best bets for last minute Valentine’s Day gifts in Seattle is EE Robbins. These jewelers specialize in engagement and wedding rings. This is a family-owned business that cherry-picks each diamond in order to offer patrons exclusive cuts. EE Robins also carries a large selection of items in its store. Therefore, those of you struggling with the decision to pop the question can wait longer to select a commitment rock.

Bellefleur Lingerie Boutique

Live, lounge, play and feel beautiful is the motto of Bellefleur. This lingerie maker crafts chic apparel for women. You can find a variety of products in the boutique that fit a woman’s taste. Purchase a sexy, lacy set or a simple, sporty bra and panty. Either choice will be comfortable and alluring for the receiver to wear. Bellefleur satisfies its patrons, which is why they have been featured in magazines such as People, Lucky and Men’s Health.

Visit one of these best bests for last minutes Valentine’s Day gifts in Seattle and impress your lover. Also, complement your token of love by taking your date to a best free Seattle museum or best of the Pike Place Market spot. Your efforts will be dearly rewarded.

Stephanie Modkins is a freelance writer living in Seattle. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/02/14/best-bets-for-last-minute-valentines-day-gifts-in-seattle/feed/7Pick-A-Side: Which Is the Cutest Celebrity Couple?http://seattle.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/which-cutest-celebrity-couple/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/which-cutest-celebrity-couple/#commentsWed, 13 Feb 2013 17:31:43 +0000jessicalimareyeshttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=82604From Beyonce and Jay Z to David and Victoria Beckham, which is the cutest celebrity couple? You decide!]]>From Beyonce and Jay Z to David and Victoria Beckham, which is the cutest celebrity couple? You decide!]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/which-cutest-celebrity-couple/feed/0Best Valentine’s Day 2013 Restaurant Specials In Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-valentines-day-2013-restaurant-specials-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-valentines-day-2013-restaurant-specials-in-seattle/#commentsWed, 06 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=79711Seattle has its fair share of foodies in love and fortunately it also has some of the best restaurants in the Pacific Northwest.]]>

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Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and reservation lines at restaurants are buzzing off the hook. Sure, you can always grab a quick bite or carry out and a catch the latest blockbuster at your local Cineplex to commemorate this special night but if you are looking to make it a memorable evening, a memorable meal is definitely in order. Seattle has its fair share of foodies in love and fortunately it also has some of the best restaurants in the Pacific Northwest.

You can pretend you are at a romantic train station in Paris waiting for your next exciting adventure as the tiles on the Last Bottle Board, a European train station-style reader board, flip over to announce the last bottles of particular wine available for the night. But the real romantic escapade will be the Valentine’s Day tasting menu at RN74 that starts off with an amuse bouche of caviar parfait and smoked salmon. A Dungeness crab salad with hearts of palm and baby beets is next up on this journey followed by a Painted Hills rib eye served with a trio of salsify, Bloomsdale spinach and sauce Perigourdine. To top off the whole experience Kim Mahar, pastry chef at RN74 will serve up a Manjari chocolate flourless cake, blood orange glass and pomegranate sorbet. And of course, petite fours to cap off the perfect evening. Go all out and let RN74 pair each course with a glass of bubbly.

What says “romance” more than a tuxedo-clad maître d’ waiting at the door to whisk you away to a nice comfy booth in one of the best steak houses in Seattle? The Metropolitan Grill is famous for their prime beef where every steak they serve is custom dry-aged. But Met Grill understands that you also might want a nice romantic ‘night in’ this Valentine’s Day, so they have assembled their very romantic Holiday Kit to make sure that you can enjoy the classic steakhouse experience without stepping outside your home. Each Holiday Kit comfortably serves two and includes Pre-seasoned prime dry aged chateaubriand, roasted root vegetables, mushroom caps, mashed potatoes and the Met’s own Cliff Sauce for the beef, which consists of dry mustard, au jus, Worcestershire, and red wine and butter. All of this comes with cooking instructions from Executive Chef Eric Hellner. The only thing you need to provide is the tuxedo and, of course, the romance.

Impress the one you love with an evening that promises to be filled with the beauty of art, music and some very inspired dining. Be immersed in the colorful and playful world of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly when you step into the Collections Café, where the Glasshouse of the Chihuly Garden and Glass will be decorated as a garden conservatory with private dining tables. Start the night right with a champagne toast upon your arrival and then settle in for a four course dinner that highlights some of the best fare the Northwest has to offer. Your night of celebration also includes a bottle of wine or champagne along with some live music to set the mood. You’ll also get to see the art that inspired the night’s offering with admission to Chihuly Garden and Glass. Complete the evening with a keepsake from the Chihuly Studio, along with a photo of the night.

You can’t get much more romantic than a Valentine’s dinner down on the waterfront. As the sun sets and the ferries glide across Elliott Bay you and your squeeze will be sharing this special evening dining on some of the freshest seafood this city has to offer. For almost 20 years, Elliott’s Oyster House has been making special memories for couples all over this region and this year is no different. Elliott’s goes “all in” and offers up a butter poached Maine lobster on this day dedicated to lovers. And what’s not to love about a lobster poached in sweet cream butter and served with some sautéed wild mushrooms, lemon-pepper spaetzle and asparagus? If you want a little turf with your surf, Elliott’s serves up a grilled beef tenderloin and lobster tail. Enjoy this tasty duo basted in lemon herb butter along with some mashed potatoes and asparagus then complete the night with sweet batter dipped coconut strawberries.

It’s all about choices this Valentine’s Day at this airy and sleek restaurant that recently got a nod from Food and Wine magazine as one of the Best Hotel Restaurants in 2012. Your Valentine will no doubt be impressed with this downtown dining destination. Step off the busy sidewalks into an enclave of style and sustenance. You’ll be welcomed with an amuse soup of sweet carrots and some Shigoku oysters followed by a choice of salads including the fresh Hawaiian hearts of palm and the Bosc pear salad with smokey blue cheese. Seafood is next up on your night of dining with three choices, including the Pacific black cod and the Maine lobster. More choices follow with the entree, where you’ll find the likes of the red wine braised short rib and the grilled beef tenderloin to tempt your senses. And don’t forget to save a little room for dessert, which presents choices like the pecan torte and the ever so appropriate St. Valentine’s beet red velvet cake. Trace makes sure to send you home happy with some petit fours.

Jenise Silva is a freelance writer in Seattle who has studied culinary, visual and performing arts. She penned the financial planning guide Women & Money, and has been writing about food and the arts for a number of years. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-valentines-day-2013-restaurant-specials-in-seattle/feed/0Best Places For Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts In Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-for-unique-valentines-day-gifts-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-for-unique-valentines-day-gifts-in-seattle/#commentsTue, 05 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=79709Looking for just the right gift to give your significant other or loved one this Valentine's Day? Check out these Seattle shops for some of the most unique and one-of-a-kind products from Pacific Northwest manufacturers and independent artists.]]>

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Valentine’s Day is a holiday where you want to show the ones you love just how much you care. While sending flowers or candy may be a nice gesture, these kinds of gifts are a bit plain and outdated. Instead, visit one of these independent shops in Seattle and find your sweetheart a gift that says, “I went out of my way to find you something unique and perhaps even, one-of-a-kind.”

The Fireworks store features a variety of gift ideas, including one-of-a-kind jewelry items, cards, clocks, collectibles, decor and more, made by independent artists from various locations around the world, including the Pacific Northwest. It even sells a variety of gag gifts, making this a fun location to shop for any occasion. Valentine’s Day items to consider for your loved one include a Hearts Hanging Photo Holder, made of beads and carefully placed, miniature photo frames to display your favorite pictures. Another fun item for your significant other is a Love Token, made of pewter. It displays the phrase “Love Token” on one side, and “Good for one roll in the hay” on the other. The I Love You set of stackable, heart-shaped dishes is also a cute gift idea. Each dish displays a different word to spell out the phrase I Love You and it comes in a stylish gift box. Lastly, the Here Is My Heart Ring is a unisex band made of sterling silver. It displays the 14th century French phrase, “A Vila Mon Coeur Gardi Li Mo,” which in English means, here is my heart, guard it well.

The Seattle Gift Basket Company offers numerous gift baskets for any occasion. Some are created with products strictly from the Pacific Northwest, while others are made for special events or holidays, such as Valentine’s Day. Two popular gift baskets that are perfect for your loved ones include the Wine and Chocolate pairing and the Chocolate Lover’s Gift Box. The Wine and Chocolate can be custom made to your specifications and include your choice of wine, sparkling cider or champagne, with a box of Dilettante Chocolate Truffles. The Chocolate Lover’s Gift Box includes chocolate-covered espresso beans, Seattle’s Own chocolate chip cookies, chocolate-covered peanut brittle, white chocolate popcorn and chocolate-covered cherries. Any gift basket order can be custom-made to suit the customer’s wants or needs.

Glassybaby is an independent company founded in 2001. It produces hand-blown glass votive candle holders in more than 400 different colors. According to the company website, it takes four individual glassblowers to create one of the Glassybaby votives. Each is stamped with the official Glassybaby insignia, making them a genuine, one-of-a-kind gift. Valentine’s Day sets offered include the Naughty and Nice set of one deep, vivid red and one brilliant, white votive, or the XO (hug and kiss) set of the love votive, which is similar to a scarlet red, and the peony votive, a fusion of fuchsia and lavender. For each Glassybaby votive that is sold, a donation goes to cancer and food bank charities.

Located within the world-famous Pike Place Market, the store Made in Washington sells some of the most unique gift items, made in the Pacific Northwest. For Valentine’s Day, it offers a tasty Chocolate Tour Gift Basket that features chocolate truffles and other sweets from some of Seattle’s best candy manufacturers. Another romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day would be to give your loved one a bottle of Chocolate Shop Wine. It is a red wine blended with natural dark chocolate for a sweet and smooth, cocoa-tasting finish.

Sweet Anthem Seattle has been creating one-of-a-kind fragrances since 2007. In the fall of 2011, Sweet Anthem opened its first retail store in Seattle and ever since it has had had an overwhelming response to their handmade items. Customers can create their very own formulated scent by adding their preferred base note, heart note and head note to the fragrance. Sweet Anthem will label it depicting your personal choices and wrap it in their company packaging.

Sue Gabel has been writing entertainment and travel-related articles in the greater Puget Sound/Seattle area since 1999. She writes about music, the Seattle scene and more. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-for-unique-valentines-day-gifts-in-seattle/feed/0Valentine’s Day Getaway Destinations Near Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/valentines-day-getaway-destinations-near-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/valentines-day-getaway-destinations-near-seattle/#commentsSat, 02 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=79705Whether looking for a romantic hideaway or outdoor activities, the greater Seattle area is filled with wonderful places to spend Valentine's Day or a weekend.]]>

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Whether looking for a romantic hideaway or outdoor activities, the greater Seattle area is filled with wonderful places to spend Valentine’s Day or a weekend. Enjoying nature is a great way to reconnect with a partner and spend quality time together. The mountains have many ski areas (downhill and cross-country) and hiking trails. Local small towns give access to romantic inns and restaurants and art galleries. Plan a memorable Valentine’s Day this year with any of these options.

Located in the artist town of La Conner, The Heron Inn & Day Spa is near both the small town art galleries and Fir Island. La Conner is a small town, filled with wonderful restaurants and art galleries. It sits on the Swinomish Channel, across from Hope Island. The channel is home to otters, great blue heron and other wildlife. The galleries feature local Pacific Northwest artists of all disciplines. The Next Chapter Bookstore & Coffee House has some of the best coffee in town, and great selections of books. The La Conner Pub & Eatery has wonderful fish and chips, burgers and other food. In the other direction, Fir Island is the wintering grounds for 40,000 to 60,000 snow geese. The birds feed in the wintering farm fields along Fir Island Road and other areas throughout the island. A stay at this inn will fulfill your wildlife fix with your loved one.

Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is located about two hours from Seattle. It is situated off Highway 410 and near Mount Rainier. The resort offers runs for beginners through advanced skiers. Equipment is available for rental or purchase at the Mountain Shop (base area) and the RDL Test Center (top of the gondola). They both offer opportunities to test out the latest equipment and will take the rental fee off of the purchase price. The resort also offers guided snowshoe tours. Lodging is available in the area and is listed on the website.

A Tree House Retreat is a romantic getaway in the trees. The Tree House has views of the forest and Puget Sound (looking west). A continental breakfast is included, and guests can make an appointment with Whidbey Wellness in the Woods for a rejuvenating massage. The beach is a 1/8-mile walk, with views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sounds. Other areas to visit in the area are Fort Casey State Park, South Whidbey Island State Park and Fort Ebby State Park. The area is home to deer, raccoons, eagles and more. Reservations are required.

The Salish Lodge & Spa is located at the scenic 270-foot Snoqualmie Falls near North Bend on I-90. The lodge is the perfect place for a pampered getaway for any couple. The spa facilities are first class, offering a variety of services for both men and women. The four-star restaurant is one of the best in Western Washington, and looks out over the falls. In North Bend, the avid shopper can explore the North Bend Premium Outlet Mall, which includes stores like Reebok, Eddie Bauer Outlet, Wilsons Leather, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and more. For those who love the outdoors, the lodge is next to Snoqualmie Falls Park, which has two observation decks overlooking the falls.

The Locks Cruise is 2.5 hours of seeing Seattle and Ballard from the water. It starts at Pier 56 on the Seattle waterfront and ends at Lake Union. Visitors are brought back to the pier via motor coach, which takes about 15 minutes. The tour starts in Elliott Bay, goes around Magnolia, through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, and finishes in Lake Union. Local history and current sites are shared throughout the trip. Tours are discounted if booked more than one month in advance. The company offers several other tour options that cover the Seattle waterfront, Tillicum Village, Lake Union and Lake Washington areas.

Karen Ulvestad is a mother and professional writer/photographer, who lives in the greater Seattle area. She graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in English Composition. Her background is in fitness, travel, photography and writing. She continually researches locations to visit, and/or entertainment opportunities for family outings and/or photo shoots. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/valentines-day-getaway-destinations-near-seattle/feed/1Best Valentine Themed Cocktails in Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/02/01/best-valentine-themed-cocktails-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/02/01/best-valentine-themed-cocktails-in-seattle/#commentsFri, 01 Feb 2013 20:49:21 +0000tamacbsseattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=81243When it comes to celebrations, Valentine's Day nears the top of the list. And Seattle has some great love-themed cocktails to sip and savor.]]>When it comes to celebrations, Valentine’s Day nears the top of the list. And Seattle has some great love-themed cocktails to sip and savor.

In its short life in Seattle, Artusi has been given kudos from the likes of the Cooking Channel, Bon Apetit and Food and Wine magazine. This contemporary, Italian inspired hangout has also entertained celebrity visitors like Michelle Williams and Jason Segel. Try their Hearts on Fire cocktail with Ransom Old Tom Gin, Cynar, Maraschino and Lemon and toast the evening!

For over 60 years, Canlis has been the ultimate in Seattle dining. Historic and iconic, Canlis is known for its outstanding service, and Northwest cuisine. Start off a special Valentine’s Day with the Celebration cocktail. A specialty of Canlis’, it’s made with Pyrat XO rum, grapefruit, Tanqueray 10 and Groseille syrup. Reservations are highly suggested.

BOKA serves up award winning cocktails, so if you’re looking to add a little spice to your Valentine’s Day this year, why not surprise your sweetheart and head to BOKA? Their Spontaneitini cocktails are a mix of Jean Marc XO and Tattinger Champagne. Want to make it a spontaneous evening? Book a room next door at the chic Hotel 1000 for an impromptu Valentine’s celebration.

Luc is a warm and cozy French American café and bar in the heart of the Madison Valley. Owner Thierry Rautureau is a James Beard Award-winning chef, who can make everything at Luc, from burgers to bourguignon, soufflé to soup tantalizing. Bring in your main squeeze for a Kiss Me cocktail: tequila, chambord, muddled raspberry and lime.

Dinette is a sweet, cozy neighborhood restaurant on Capitol Hill. The food is inspired by regional Italian, French and Spanish traditions featuring handmade pastas, braised meats and seasonal toppings. Down home, simple and soulful, you’ll often have live piano music to dine by. Bring your secret (or real) crush in to try the Rosemary Lemon Crush cocktail. A bright and tasty cocktail with fresh sweetened lemon juice and vodka, served on the rocks with a rosemary sugared rim. Perfect for your sweetheart.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/02/01/best-valentine-themed-cocktails-in-seattle/feed/0Best Valentine’s Day Parties For Singles In Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-valentines-day-parties-for-singles-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-valentines-day-parties-for-singles-in-seattle/#commentsThu, 31 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=79701Calling all Seattle singles! Valentine's Day is drawing near and it's time to start planning a fun night out with friends or other singles to party the night away. Check out these Valentine's Day events for singles happening around the Seattle area.]]>

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Valentine’s Day is a special holiday mostly celebrated by couples. With several Valentine’s events scheduled annually, it can be a fun and exciting time for singles too. Seattle’s Valentine’s Day events for singles range from social dance parties to women’s-only events to masquerade balls. Check out these cool singles parties happening in the Puget Sound area for the 2013 Valentine’s Day holiday.

Price: $24 per person with advanced registration/$29 per person at door with RSVP/$35 per person at door with no RSVP
Date: Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m.

As a SinglesEvents.com-sponsored Valentine’s Day event, the Seattle Lock and Key Singles Party is for single men and women, ages 24 to 49. Lock-and-key parties are a great way meet new people, break the ice, socialize and have a fun night out. During a lock-and-key event, women are given random locks, while the men receive random keys. They must work together to open each lock and win some phenomenal prizes.

Held at downtown Seattle’s Trinity Nightclub, the 6th annual Erotic Ball is once again hosted by Sasha Scarlett. This Valentine’s Day event is the perfect way for singles to get together and dance the night away to beats spun by deejays Paul Aleinikoff and Jub Hub. This event requires guests to wear a costume, so start planning how you intend to wow the crowd with your unique attire and win the $1,000 costume contest.

The Last Supper Club presents the Valentine’s Day event Put the Bump in UR Hump on Winter Vibe Wednesday. Guests can drink cheap all night and dance to the best electronic beats provided by DJ Filthy Rich, duo DJs Robb Dubb and Scott Solitude and Jason H8 and Markee Mark. Don’t miss hanging out at this top-rated club and partying the night away, while mingling with other singles.

For Valentine’s Day 2013, Belltown Billiards is holding the Saturday Social Belltown Dance Party. DJ Austin Payne will be in the house spinning a variety of tunes including old-school mash-ups, top 40, party rock and electronica. Meet up with other singles and dance, play a game of pool or just socialize and party. Complimentary bottles of champagne are given to ladies that arrive in groups of eight or more and reservations may be made for the VIP section.

This Valentine’s Day singles’ event is an auction for women only, but it will be well worth it to win a date with one of Seattle’s sexy single men. Grab your group of girls and come out for one of the hottest events of the year. Sponsored by Babette’s, this event will feature 13 of the city’s sexiest bachelors that will be auctioned off to the highest bidder and include an exclusive date package. The event also features drink specials, all-you-can-eat sushi and dancing to the beats supplied by DJ Woogie D.

Sue Gabel has been writing entertainment and travel-related articles in the greater Puget Sound/Seattle area since 1999. She writes about music, the Seattle scene and more. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-valentines-day-parties-for-singles-in-seattle/feed/0Valentine Spa Treatments for Two in Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/30/valentine-spa-treatments-for-two-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/30/valentine-spa-treatments-for-two-in-seattle/#commentsWed, 30 Jan 2013 21:11:48 +0000tamacbsseattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=80913Want to have a relaxing massage experience with your honey to celebrate Valentine's Day? Seattle's resorts and day spas have put together packages that will have you and your sweetheart treated well and feeling fantastic.]]>Want to have a relaxing massage experience with your honey to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Seattle’s resorts and day spas have put together packages that will have you and your sweetheart treated well and feeling fantastic.

Spend the day or hour with Ananya Spa on Valentine’s day and enjoy special packages, champagne, cheese and fruit between Thursday, Feb 14 and Sunday, Feb 17. How about a couples’ massage? Enjoy Swedish, Sports, or deep tissue massage with a friend or loved one in a unique treatment room just for couples. $190/60 minutes, $260/90 minutes. Call for details.

The two best things on Valentine’s Day – chocolate and the one you love. Your Valentine will fall in love with you all over again as you enjoy 50 minute chocolate massages together in the Salish Lodge’s romantic Spa Fireside Room. Lie side by side taking in the warmth and crackling of the fireplace and the scent of warm chocolate, surrounded by rose petals. Complete the experience with two Salish house made Honey Truffles to take home with you. $270/couple.

Commemorate romance with a luxurious duet 75 minute massage featuring chocolate cake or chocolate mint scented oils, made with rich oils and vitamins to nourish skin and tantalize the senses. Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries await you in the relaxation room, too. A perfect way to celebrate with the one you love. $245/couple. Or just for Valentine’s Day weekend, you can opt for the additional Valentine Bliss package. Enjoy Hotel 1000′s beautiful fireside library for your couples massage. Soft music, candlelight and the warmth of the fireplace will elevate your experience. $300/couple

A cocoa infused skin refining glow for two that will leave your skin soft, smooth and ready for kisses. With the antioxidant power of chocolate combined with a skin smoothing exfoliation it will be a shame to cover your glowing skin with anything more than a bathrobe. $210/couple. This hour long treatment can also include an additional 30 minute massage for just an extra $65/person.

Unwind with a couple’s massage in the privacy of the Spa’s couples’ room overlooking Elliott Bay. The room features a private soaking tub and rain shower. Finish your experience with a eucalyptus steam. Choices of massage include Swedish, Alpine Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, and Hot Lava. Prices vary. Contact the Spa for details.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/30/valentine-spa-treatments-for-two-in-seattle/feed/0Pick-A-Side: Which Is The Best Valentine’s Day Gift?http://seattle.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/which-best-valentines-day-gift/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/which-best-valentines-day-gift/#commentsTue, 29 Jan 2013 20:54:42 +0000jessicalimareyeshttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=80750]]>]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/which-best-valentines-day-gift/feed/0Best Walks and Runs for You and Your Sweetie in Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/28/best-walks-and-runs-for-you-and-your-sweetie-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/28/best-walks-and-runs-for-you-and-your-sweetie-in-seattle/#commentsMon, 28 Jan 2013 17:04:38 +0000tamacbsseattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=80458Grab your BFF, your significant other or your kids and head out to one of these fun runs or walks with friendship and valentine themes! They benefit great causes, too! ]]>Dual Dash
Saturday, February 9
8:00am
Point Defiance Park
5400 N. Pearl St.
Tacoma, WA 98407
253.305.1022http://www.metroparkstacoma.org

The Dual Dash at Point Defiance Park is a unique race that lets you run and cross the finish line with friend. Kids ages 5+ can participate, too! There’s a 3 mile walk/run, and a 1.5 mile walk/run option. Sign up to run solo or as a couple and enjoy a refreshing February morning run along Five Mile Drive. Couples who enter together cross the finish line together and share a finish time. Sign up online HERE.

Join in this festive Valentine’s themed 5K that runs on the city streets surrounding Green Lake. Wear your Valentine’s Day colors or costume. Run as an individual or as part of a two-person team, then celebrate in the finish line festival area that will have free food and drink, exhibitors and more. Plus, kids 10 & under can participate in the FREE PCC Healthy Kids Little Heart Beet Run that takes place at 9:10am just before the main 5K. All kids in this event will receive a free bib with the #1 to wear and a free ribbon when they cross the finish line. Register online HERE.

Run 4 Her Heart 5k benefits Go Red For Women, an organization that raises awareness about cardiovascular disease, and the Emerald Ridge High School Future Health Professionals Organization. Register online HERE.

Cupid’s Undie Run takes runners on a 1 or so mile jog through the heart of Seattle’s Fremont district in their underwear! Pre- and post-run festivities are held at the Ballroom. Will the Lenin statue be wearing a pair of giant undies on the day of the race? Join in to find out! 21+. The run benefits the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Register online HERE.

Run Solo OR as a team of 2. Spouses, parents & kids, friends… just remember, teams must finish the race together! Plus, the Little Hearts Kid’s 100 Meter Dash (ages 6 & under), and a Big Little Hearts 1000 Meter Run (9 & under). Kids runs are FREE. The run benefits Habitat for Humanity of Tacoma/Pierce County. Register online HERE.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/28/best-walks-and-runs-for-you-and-your-sweetie-in-seattle/feed/0Best Valentine’s and Anti-Valentine’s Day Ideas For Singles in Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/24/best-valentines-and-anti-valentines-day-ideas-for-singles-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/24/best-valentines-and-anti-valentines-day-ideas-for-singles-in-seattle/#commentsThu, 24 Jan 2013 23:41:46 +0000tamacbsseattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=79297Hate the holiday or single and looking? Either way, let your inhibitions go and get out to enjoy the evening. There are lots of fun events for singles - whether you want to celebrate the day.... or not.]]>Hate the holiday or single and looking? Either way, let your inhibitions go and get out to enjoy the evening. There are lots of fun events for singles – whether you want to celebrate the day…. or not.

It’s a festive Valentine’s themed 5K that runs on the city streets surrounding Green Lake. Run as an individual or as part of a two-person team, then celebrate in the finish line festival area that will have free food and drink, exhibitors and more. Plus, a finish line beer garden where you can mingle. Your bib numbers will state if you are “single” or “taken”! Wear a costume and receive a free bon bon from Wow Chocolates, too. Register online.

Fado is hosting a “Nuts n’ Bolts” singles party! Depending on gender, guests receive a nut or bolt and spend the evening finding their match. This is a great way to meet new people. Once the guests find their “match” they’ll receive a special prize! Live music from the Kennedy Brothers starting at 10:00pm will keep the party going all night, along with drink specials of “pink panty dropper punch.” This is sure to be the best Valentine’s singles party in downtown Seattle.

Bored, rebuffed, or broken hearted? Rejoice! The Stranger’s Dan Savage is here to ruin and rescue Valentine’s Day! Join Dan at a very special recording of his podcast: Savage Love Live, co-starring other revered freaks and “sexperts.” Show is 21+ and contains adult content. Purchase tickets online or by phone.

Not so sweet on Valentine’s Day? Head to the Bookstore Bar for their Anti-Valentine’s Day dinner. With small plates like Revenge, and drink specials like Love on the Rocks and Cupid’s Got a Broken Arrow, you are sure to leave feeling more satisfied!

Join the ladies and gentlemen of Afrodisiac for an illustrious evening filled with music, poetry, and dance. This is a perfect evening for a girls or guys night out and singles too! Tickets available HERE.

DateandDash kicks off this Valentine’s Day in a matchmaking frenzy. A DJ will get you out on the dance floor, and there will be themed Valentine’s Day drink specials. Speed date your way through the evening, and skip the excruciating hit-or-miss first date experience. With DateandDash you can chat with a large pool of people, choose your favorites, and see if they choose you! Register online HERE.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/24/best-valentines-and-anti-valentines-day-ideas-for-singles-in-seattle/feed/1Best of The Stage for Valentine’s Day in Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/24/best-of-the-stage-for-valentines-day-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/24/best-of-the-stage-for-valentines-day-in-seattle/#commentsThu, 24 Jan 2013 21:45:35 +0000tamacbsseattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=80209If your sweetheart likes a good theatre production, why not include one of these for your Valentine's Day celebration? From War Horse to Agatha Christie to Tennessee Williams, there is some great theatre on the stage this February! ]]>If your sweetheart likes a good theatre production, why not include one of these for your Valentine’s Day celebration? From War Horse to Agatha Christie to Tennessee Williams, there is some great theatre on the stage this February!

Agatha Christie’s masterpiece and the longest running play in modern history, this murder mystery sparkles with suspense and cunning as it celebrates it’s 60-year anniversary. Stranded by a snowstorm within one guesthouse are the young couple who own the business, four single guests, one stranger who happened upon the house, and one detective. Eight inhabitants; one murderer; and one nameless target—but how many will get hit in the crossfire? Rich with excitement and mystery, you won’t be sorry you got caught in The Mousetrap. Purchase tickets online or by phone.

Peace. Tranquility. The English countryside. Ahhh … Then Bertie Wooster pays a visit. While ducking romance, fleeing a cleaver-wielding chef and burgling his uncle, Bertie’s trail of mischief and mayhem is set right by his unflappable valet, Jeeves. Based on characters created by author P.G. Wodehouse, this confectionary treat is a delightful respite from the daily grind. Tickets available online.

England, 1914. As World War One begins, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped from England to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness that is currently playing to packed houses in London and New York. Buy tickets online.

An intriguing portrait of British scientist Rosalind Franklin and her—often overlooked—role in the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure. This complex tale explores how Franklin, a smart, stubborn, and courageous woman, operated in a field dominated by men. A balance of the historical, romantic, and scientific, Photograph 51 is a touching human play of ideas. Enjoy this play as part of the Rep’s 50th anniversary season. Purchase tickets online.

Stone Soup is pleased to bring back 5 more one-act plays that are compiled from archives after playwright Tennessee William’s death and are seldom produced. The material ranges from the angst of living in a fictional distopian society with “The Chalky White Substance” to the universal feeling of loneliness in “Talk To Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen”. Purchase tickets by phone or online.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/24/best-of-the-stage-for-valentines-day-in-seattle/feed/1Best Musical Performances for You and Your Valentine in Seattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/23/best-musical-performances-for-you-and-your-valentine-in-seattle/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/23/best-musical-performances-for-you-and-your-valentine-in-seattle/#commentsWed, 23 Jan 2013 23:50:10 +0000tamacbsseattlehttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=80072From R&B to Pop to Classical... there's a great mix of music for you and your Valentine this February. Take a look at some of our favorites! ]]>From R&B to Pop to Classical… there’s a great mix of music for you and your Valentine this February. Take a look at some of our favorites!

Seattle Women’s Chorus will take you down memory lane with highlights from seasons past — including Chely Wright’s “Like Me,” Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” and more — and they’ll showcase some well-known divas like Melissa Etheridge, Tracy Chapman, and others as they Celebrate! 10 years together. SWC is thrilled to welcome Tacoma native, Vicci Martinez, to join them on stage. You know Ms. Martinez as one of the finalists from the first season of NBC’s hit series, The Voice. She’ll combine her talents with SWC for a curtain-to-curtain celebration that is sure to bring the house down! After the concert you can continue to CELEBRATE! in the lobby of Benaroya with a huge party! DJ Stacey Cooks (The Original Timberline, The Cuff, Hotflash, and Girl 4 Girl) will spin some of the most celebratory music from the ‘70s to present day! The party is FREE with your concert ticket and will last until 1:00am. There will be a cash bar and everyone is welcome. Tickets available online.

There’s trouble in River City, my friends, and Professor Harold Hill has the antidote — an all-boys marching band. But Marian the Librarian sees through his schemes, at least until she falls in love with the irrepressible con artist. Overflowing with a parade of tunes including “Seventy Six Trombones,” “Gary, Indiana,” and “Till There Was You”, it’s the perfect Valentine performance for the whole family. Buy tickets online or by phone.

En Vogue is Terry Ellis, Rhona Bennett and Cindy Herron-Braggs. The name rings more than a bell. It invokes memories of a long line of red-hot R&B and pop smashes. Songs like “Hold On,” “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It),” “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” “Free Your Mind,” and “Whatta Man” featuring Salt-N-Pepa, are just a sampling of the mega hits made famous by the Grammy nominated, Pop/R&B super group. They’ll be performing four nights and six shows at Jazz Alley. Details online. Call for tickets.

For this special anniversary Words of Love concert he will perform pieces from his new Beatles album including: Norwegian Wood, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, The Long & Winding Road, And I Love Her and Yesterday. He always delivers a musical mix of fiery flamenco, classical guitar standards and spoken poetry set to his original compositions. Andre will rotate among his stunning collection of classical, flamenco, steel string, electric and parlor guitars. Tickets are available by phone or online.

It’s a special Valentine edition for two nights only at Teatro ZinZanni! Gain admission to Valhalla and sup on a feast fit for the gods. Make merry with our heros as they travel via hog to the Nordic Paradise, hula hoop the golden rings, and win the golden apples. It is like Wagner’s opera The Ring, only funny! Purchase tickets online.

Romance is in the air—along with some of the most romantic music in the world—at this celebration of Cuba’s contribution to the love of love. Because if Cubans didn’t actually invent romance, they did create its most exquisite forms of expression: the bolero and its jazzy offshoot, el Feeling. And no one expresses that emotion better than Grammy-nominated Cuban guitarist, composer, and vocalist Juan-Carlos Formell, who performs a program called Un bolero que te salve la vida / A Bolero to Save Your Life. Tickets online.

]]>http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/01/23/best-musical-performances-for-you-and-your-valentine-in-seattle/feed/1Top 6 Couple Activities You Can Do Year Roundhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-6-couple-activities-you-can-do-year-round/
http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-6-couple-activities-you-can-do-year-round/#commentsTue, 22 Jan 2013 11:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://seattle.cbslocal.com/?p=78928Maybe the two of you know you’re in it for the long haul, or maybe you’re still trying on your relationship for size. No matter where you’re currently at as a couple, your connection to each other can strengthen and grow if you build in time together. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, here are a few ideas to help you get started.]]>

For fresh couples or even those who have gotten past the seven year itch, an important part of staying in love is spending time together, doing things you both enjoy. The activities are limitless; you might just need a few ideas to spark your imagination. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here is a short list of great couples’ activities that you can do year-round.

Dining Together

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Become your own restaurant of the month club. Explore new dining-out ideas and pick the ones that sound most interesting to both of you, then make a reservation and get ready to have a night on the town. Stick to the same day every month to ensure you will always have time to dine together. This is a great opportunity to explore out-of-the-way places or new types of cuisine you’ve always been curious about but never tried. Build in a few romantic nights and feel free to embarrass other diners by making out shamelessly at the table.

Educate With Love

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Do both of you have an interest in do-it-yourself household projects or photography? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to make sushi, wood working or Italian. Adult-education classes represent a great way for the two of you to expand your horizons and knowledge base together, plus acquire a practical skill of value. Make sure to choose an interest you both share and find ways of enjoying it outside of class, too.

Have A Breakthrough

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Couples-only retreats offer you the opportunity to not only explore your relationship but also enjoy activities like hiking, boating, couple’s massage or yoga together. An added plus is being with other, like-minded couples and forming new friendships, which are healthy for any relationship. Look for weekend retreats in interesting locations either close to home or far away, then suspend your current reality and enjoy being together in a completely new environment.

Have A Ball

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Pursue a sports activity together, such as golf, bowling, paddleball or running. Make time to go to the gym or take tennis lessons. Some couples enjoy friendly competition, while others prefer to play games together as if they were little, goofy kids. Whatever your sports style might be, find physical pursuits you both can share that will help you keep both your bodies and your relationship fit and healthy.

Have An Adventure

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Become tourists in your own home town by visiting sight-seeing destinations and attractions, like boat or bus tours, museums and landmarks. Pretend you don’t speak the language and ask people to take your picture together. Re-visit your own personal landmarks, too, like the place where the two of you met or the houses you both grew up in.

Take Time Out

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Make the world go away by closing the door, shutting off the phones and dimming the lights. Remember that the little, day-to-day moments you share are just as important as the time you plan around activities together. Be a universe of two and spend some time remembering what brought you together in the first place. Congratulate each other on how terrific you are and celebrate being a couple, in any way you choose.